Posts written by

Rahul Kumar

Rahul Kumar worked as a content marketing analyst at WareIQ contributing to blog posts related to eCommerce operations, fulfillment and shipping along with a few topics around tips and tricks for eCommerce sellers. He has more than 3 years of content writing experience across industries like logistics & supply chain, media etc.

How to Calculate Reorder Level? Definition, Advantages, and Easy 5-Step Calculations for the Reorder Point Formula in 2024

By being able to execute proper business calculations, eCommerce retailers can advance in their goals. In the eCommerce industry, knowing when and how many products you require to fulfill orders is crucial. One method to show your aptitude for forecasting inventory and assisting your business in maximizing profits is by performing these calculations precisely and efficiently. Timing and the amount of inventory ordered should be accurate. If you have all the data, you can automate the re-ordering process. Today we will go into detail about the reorder level and how to calculate it using the reorder level formula, examples in different scenarios to maintain your inventory needs, and much more. What is a Reorder Level? Reorder level, also known as reorder point in management accounting, is the inventory level at which a business would place a new order or begin a new production run. Reorder level is influenced by a company's lead time for work orders, demand during that period, and whether or not it should keep a safety stock. The time it takes the company's suppliers to manufacture and deliver the ordered units is known as the work-order lead time. It is critical to determine the appropriate reorder level. A company may receive the ordered units faster than anticipated if it places a fresh order too soon and this could result in increased carrying expenses such as storage rent, opportunity costs, etc. Conversely, if an order is placed too late, the company would incur stock-out expenses, such as missed sales and customer dissatisfaction. [contactus_uth] Advantages of Reorder Level A conventional advantage of reorder level is to avoid stock shortage. Reorder levels are important since they enable a company to increase productivity and perhaps even revenues and profits. This is due to the fact that acquiring the right quantity of inventory can help the company run effectively while avoiding uncertainties like product waste. Reorder levels that are precise also aid in lowering carrying costs and other costs related to storing inventory. Rent, insurance, and potential spoilage are some carrying expenses that can be avoided or decreased with prudent ordering levels. Reorder level calculations are another useful tool for ensuring uniformity among team members when several people are in charge of issuing orders. The stock requirements are automatically activated at the order point. You may optimize your inventory list and reduce administrative time by using the reorder level model, which is a helpful decision-making tool. This reality enables you to concentrate on bringing value to your company while letting the system function on its own. Using this system has a number of benefits, including: Providing better service to both internal and external customersPreventing delays throughout the supply chainLowering the inventory costMaximizing the space in your inventoryStaff members focus on value-added tasks while saving timePutting facts and evidence in front of speculationForming a communication bridge between seller and manufacturerAvoiding overstockingAvoiding getting the items too earlyPreventing your capital from getting held upMaking inbound and outbound logistics more efficient Reorder Level Formula: Calculation in 5 Simple Steps in 2024 Reorder Level or Reorder Points can be calculated in 5 Easy Steps explained below; Determine Your Average Demand The very first step is determining the average demand for a product or material. This refers to how many units of a specific commodity you sell or utilize over a certain period of time. There could be several retail items you require each day, week, or month, such as dishes, shoes, laptops, etc. You might also need a specific quantity of manufacturing material over time. Because demand may change from one period of time to the next, try estimating your inventory utilization over several of your chosen time periods and calculate the average of those results. This might be especially true for businesses or products that depend on outside factors. Calculate Your Lead Time The lead time is the period of time between when you place an order till the time you receive the shipment of goods. Use the same time unit (days, weeks, months, etc.) that you used to establish your average demand to calculate your lead time. You should calculate your lead time in days if your average daily demand is 100 goods. The wait time would be measured in weeks if your demand was 100 products per week. If deliveries are regular, you can generally automatically establish your lead time by looking up your order and delivery history. If delivery times are unpredictable, get the average lead times of a large number of orders. If outside circumstances affect how long it takes to get a delivery, use alternative lead times. Decide if You Should Keep a Safety Stock Determining whether you maintain a safety stock or not, depends on your preference. You will have to use a different formula for your reorder level for different situations. A business may retain some goods or materials on hand as safety stock in case certain circumstances arise, such as an unexpected spike in demand or a delivery problem. If you want to know if your inventory needs a safety buffer, compare the amount of stock you maintain on hand versus the amount you sell or use. You can also work with a business executive to determine whether your organization has a policy of maintaining a safety stock on hand and whether you should factor this into your reorder level. Any adjustments you might make or recommend making to your inventory levels should be communicated clearly. Use the Reorder Level Formula Calculate reorder levels with the proper formula using your average demand, lead time, and safety stock. The formula is as follows: Reorder Level Formula = (Average Demand × Lead Time) The formula in case safety stock is kept by the company: Reorder level = [(Average Demand × Lead Time) + Safety Stock] Your average demand and lead time should be calculated in the same unit of time. Your lead time should be calculated in days if your demand is calculated in units of products per day. Your lead time should also be measured in weeks if your demand is too. To ensure accuracy, think about working on your calculations simultaneously or asking a teammate to do so. You can also read this detailed article on Reorder Quantity Formula. Assess and Adjust as Required Finally, review your reorder level calculations and make any necessary adjustments. You might need to adjust your reorder level to account for the increased demand if, for instance, you find you are running low on the item before your next purchase comes in. You might need to modify your reorder level if orders start showing up with time changes. Determining a Fixed Reorder Level Stock While determining a fixed Reorder Level Stock the following factors are involved: Rate of Material Consumption It is the amount of material or number of items you sell in a lead time period. The material and items are averaged as per the duration of the time frame taken. Safety Margin Before you calculate the reorder level, you should keep a safety margin of stocks with you in case of higher demand than the average demand level. Delivery Period or Lead Time The average delivery period or average lead time is the time taken to get the stock after placing an order to your merchant or directly to the manufacturer. Maintaining a Minimum Stock Level Minimum stock level maintenance specifically helps small and medium-sized sellers and sellers who have limited storage space in different locations. This keeps your business supplied with stock and helps avoid uncertainty in inventory. Storage Fees and Interest on Materials-Related Capital Investments This is the crucial part to think about. You may calculate and order inventory as per your demand and your capacity to fulfill orders. This is not applicable if you have your own storage facilities but if you partner with a 3PL fulfillment company and use their fulfillment centers to store inventory, you will have to pay monthly subscription fees or for the amount of storage you are utilizing. Having an Emergency Fund Keep aside an excess amount of capital in liquid form to tackle uncertainties like machine breakdowns, supply-chain failures, increases in rates, etc. Many times, work is on hold in the logistics chain because of payment dues for certain processes. Read how should you plan your logistics in eCommerce. The Reorder Level of Stock Calculation in Different Circumstances Case 1 – Without Safety Stock Mr. Sanjay’s bookstore sells 200 books on average in a week. The maximum demand in a week is 217 laptops. If the lead time is 3 weeks then the reorder level calculation using the reorder level formula would be: Reorder level = Maximum usage(weekly) × Lead time (in weeks) = 217 units × 3 weeks = 651 units It means that every time the number of books decreases to 651, Mr. Sanjay’s bookstore must place a new order. Case 2 – With Safety Stock Suppose you are a bike seller with the following figures: Demand Minimum Demand: 40 bikes per month Average Demand: 50 bikes per month Maximum Demand: 60 bikes per month Safety Stock: 15 bikes Lead Time Minimum Lead Time: 1 month Average Lead Time: 1.25 months Maximum Lead Time: 1.5 months The reorder level of your outlet using the reorder point formula would be: Reorder Level = (Maximum Demand × Maximum Lead Time) + Safety Stock = (60 units × 1.5 weeks) + 15 units = 90 units + 15 units = 105 units Note: Both demand and lead time must be expressed in the same time unit, i.e., in days, weeks, etc. Modified Reorder Level Formula The amount of reordering presumes a constant pace of inventory consumption, which is usually false. For instance, if usage levels fluctuate often, the reorder level will be too low, resulting in a lack of inventory when it is required for production. On the other hand, this reorder procedure will result in having too much inventory on hand if actual usage decreases. It might be helpful to account for extra stock on hand and replace the average daily usage rate with the maximum daily usage rate in the reorder point formula in order to prevent stock-out situations. The revised reorder level formula is as follows: | [(Maximum Daily Usage Rate x Lead Time) + Safety Stock] | Conclusion: Choosing WareIQ for Faster and More Accurate Reorder Levels After understanding the importance of reorder level, it is understood that establishing reorder points is beneficial so that you can reduce your capital investments and make sure that your company is running as efficiently as possible in terms of both inbound and outbound logistics. The requirement for accurate data for supply chain planning and presenting a precise picture of customer demand is the most crucial and occasionally, most difficult aspect of effectively calculating reorder levels. You could wind up with too much or too little stock if the data is incorrect and the calculation is wrong. WareIQ can help eCommerce firms to manage inventory, anticipate demand, pack orders, cut shipping costs, and meet consumer expectations. In case you seek to store inventory in multiple WareIQ fulfillment centers, we will automate your reordering levels, optimize your data and reshuffle your inventory to relevant warehouses that are close to high-demand locations and transport hubs. WareIQ assists brands in enhancing their shipping strategies with a network of fulfillment centers spread out across the country and technology that is integrated with the top eCommerce platforms. Reorder Level Formula FAQs How do you calculate reorder level?The reorder point formula is used to calculate reorder levels which is as follows:Reorder Level = [(Average Demand × Lead Time) + Safety Stock] Why is the reordering point important?Effective inventory management requires a reorder point. Ensuring that there is always enough stock in your inventory reduces holding costs and avoids stockouts, overstocking and lost sales. What is the Safety Stock Formula?The safety stock is calculated by multiplying your desired service factor, which represents the amount and frequency by which the average lead time deviates from the actual lead time. What is the EOQ Reorder Level?The Economic Order Quantity or EOQ reorder point is a formula used to calculate the number of units of inventory to order by which the lowest possible total order cost occurs.

June 24, 2022

What is Decoupling Inventory? Definition, Methods, Differences and Effect on the Supply Chain in 2024

Inventory is a basic asset of any business operation, so inventory management becomes an essential task. Inventory management includes more than just arranging the items on shelves, picking them up when an order comes in and delivering it to the customer. It also comes with a lot of uncertainties. These uncertainties are part of operating a business and managing them by taking the appropriate steps is a sign of efficient business skills. Events such as the global pandemic and supply chain disruptions caused due to the war in Ukraine have highlighted many challenges and lack of inventory is one of them. Depending on the nature of a business, there could be a shortage of semiconductors, edible oil, medicines, etc. So to maintain functional production and supply operations, forecasting needs to occur. Decoupling inventory is one part of it and it needs to be implemented to prevent stock-out situations and grinding operations to a halt. What is Decoupling Inventory? Decoupling inventory, also known as decoupling stock, is the process of separating extra inventory within a production process to ensure smoothness in every operation. Buffer inventory is stored in order to prevent one step of production from causing delays in other steps. Manufacturers need to ensure that if any of the machines involved in production breaks down or slows down production rate at any point, production does not get affected. An Example of Decoupling Inventory For different purposes, the relevant decoupling inventory example can vary depending on the situation. One example for a manufacturing unit is as follows: If a manufacturer makes bread and biscuits that require the use of flour, they must purchase a huge amount of wheat to grind it into flour. For processes such as grinding, backing, kneading and cutting, various machines are put into use. If any of the machines get damaged or stop working due to an issue, the entire production process can get delayed. In order to mitigate this, the manufacturer can use the principle of decoupling inventory to keep extra flour if the grinding machine fails, keep some buffer knead to cut it and shape it for future steps. If the kneading machine fails then there should be another way to knead it, bake it or use the flour to make something else from the items in the product line that the company offers. This is a good decoupling inventory example that other businesses can emulate in order to prevent a delay in multiple other processes, just because one operation isn’t going to plan. [contactus_gynoveda] How Can You Achieve Decoupling Inventory? Most online retailers will keep extra stock to ensure that client orders are fulfilled on time. Many times, the order frequency gets too high. For example, if the monsoon arrives early, umbrella sellers will get more orders and may struggle to fulfill them. If you sell a product on your website and multiple other sales channels that needs to be a handmade item or requires assembly, it will benefit you to learn about how decoupling inventory can help you optimize your processes. Here is a step-by-step guide to completely comprehend how decoupling inventory works: Calculate your sales and production capacity.Determine the current raw material or work-in-progress inventory levels at each decoupling point in your manufacturing line.Analyze previous order data and patterns to forecast demand strategically.Determine the amount of extra raw materials you can keep on hand after demand has been met.Establish a predetermined inventory replenishment strategy based on the average delivery deadlines for each material after you know the quantity of raw materials to have on hand.Maintain accurate inventory records and historical order trends for each SKU and adjust your decoupling inventory purchase orders as needed. Keep in mind that your decoupling inventory replenishment approach will need to be tweaked over time. Decoupling inventory will not only require additional space in your warehouse but also you will have to dedicate resources towards holding and securing it. So the holding cost limit that you have set should not be surpassed. Always keep an eye on your holding expenses and avoid building up too much surplus inventory, especially if your raw materials have expiration dates or are prone to becoming obsolete. Advantages of Decoupling Inventory Maintains Buffer Stock for Repairs and Maintenance Decoupling inventory is particularly advantageous in the event of a facility outage for repairs or machine maintenance. Manufacturers can still fulfill orders on time despite any failure of equipment failure if they have adequate decoupling inventory on hand at every step of production. This enables them to use this inventory as a substitute to bypass the failure and enable normal production speed and efficiency. Provides Protection During Periods of Uncertainty When manufacturers are unable to obtain sufficient raw materials to finish producing a product, the work-in-progress manufacturing line slows or stops completely. Decoupled inventory is stored at each level of the production line to offer protection against any uncertainties that could occur and constructs a resilient failure-proof supply chain. This means that no matter which stage of the manufacturing process a product is in, there should be enough raw materials on hand to continue production without any delays. This is especially useful for companies that make a lot of goods with similar parts or ingredients. Helps to Avoid Stock Outs Decoupling inventory is a strategy for ensuring on-time retail fulfillment, particularly if the items you offer require machinery or assembly to fulfill a customer order. When you sell finished products through dropshipping or direct fulfillment that is done by the manufacturer, you do not have control over the manufacturing process. There are, nevertheless, measures to ensure that demand is met despite production delays. To reduce the risk of inventory shortages, partnering with manufacturers or suppliers can be a good option. However, this isn't the only technique to avoid bottlenecks in your supply chain. You can forecast demand and keep safety stock with you at all times to offset the chances of a shortage in inventory or raw materials. Decoupling Inventory vs Pipeline Inventory Though they have some similarities in terms of advantages, they are not used in the same way. Decoupling inventory and pipeline inventory both aid supply chain efficiency, with the primary purpose of both being to avoid wastage of time and reduced productivity. [table id=30 /] How Does Decoupling Inventory Affect the Supply Chain? Decoupling inventory operates alongside the material flow as well as the informational flow pipelines in the supply chain. Without decoupling points, a supplier error or downtime might have a negative impact on the demand and supply of products. Decoupling, for the most part, works inside the supply chain by emphasizing the prevention of time waste or downtime in relation to productivity. The use of manufacturing automation to streamline the production process is emphasized by these decoupling points. Manufacturing automation includes several features that make production more efficient such as order management, parts tracking, outlined/identified production stages, inventory management, etc. In case of a lack of ability to decouple inventory, production can get lower and then it can affect the following aspects of the supply chain: Impacts Dropshipping Some retailers opt for the manufacturer to fulfill orders to customers directly. In this case, sellers only focus on confirming orders on their website or other selling platforms. If decoupling inventory is not done properly and there are hindrances in the production process, manufacturers may be unable to fulfill orders due to various issues which will result in unhappy customers and negative feedback for the business. Affects the Purchasing of Inventory Many types of small and medium-sized eCommerce sellers purchase a minimum order quantity (MOQ) and economic order quantity (EOQ). If a manufacturer has low amounts of inventory in stock, there are fewer chances for the seller to get enough inventory to fulfill orders in a timely manner. Thus, the seller will have to settle with what the manufacturer has and is quoting, which may be much more expensive than ordering on the basis of MOQ and EOQ. Increases Freight Rate In case there is a stock shortage and sellers have to fulfill multiple orders, they will have to opt to obtain the goods from other warehouses which may be located in other regions, in order to not keep customers waiting. This process can work out to be much more expensive as sellers will have to incur extra freight charges to transport the commodities from those warehouses and can also result in delays as products are not being shipped from a warehouse that is in close proximity to the customer. Hinders Seasonal Sales When there is an uncertainty of inventory due to a lack of decoupling inventory, a seller cannot run flash sales or fulfill demand during a season sale which will ultimately lower the profit and cash flow and remove a seller’s ability to get rid of obsolete or low-demand inventory. Lowers Sales Velocity A higher sales velocity is always beneficial for a seller. They are often ready to compromise on profit margins to focus on selling more products because that is the way to generate high revenue and increase profit margins. However, if there is a shortage of inventory or other issues in the supply chain, sellers are often unable to achieve the desired sales velocity because they do not have the means to do so. 3 Different Methods to Avoid Stockouts Automate Order Placement If you are an eCommerce seller, technology plays a huge role in your business. The Internet of Things(IoT) is one of them. If you apply IoT for not only selling and tracking goods but also for procurement of inventory that you will be selling in the future, you can avoid any errors or miscalculations that could occur if it is done manually. This helps you to generate the data for future orders and optimizes your inventory. Through the use of technology, multiple facets of the business can be automated such as order placement, inventory management and order fulfillment. This will help increase the speed and accuracy of these processes. Keep Buffer Stock Handy Online retailers can utilize safety stock to determine how much extra inventory they can afford to have on hand in case of an emergency or supply chain failure that could cause a delay in order fulfillment, similar to how decoupling inventory works. The amount of safety stock you'll need is calculated using the following formula: Safety Stock = (Maximum Lead Time x Maximum Daily Usage) – (Average Daily Usage x Average Lead Time) However, keeping too much buffer stock can also lead to obsolescence and further expenses so it is best to calculate this accurately. Use a Warehouse Management System It is possible to strategically estimate future demand by collecting and evaluating precise past supply chain data. Though no forecast is 100% accurate, thanks to the rise and accessibility of digital supply chain technologies, forecasting demand is becoming easier to manage, allowing online retailers to make better judgments about inventory levels. Investing in technology that delivers real-time supply chain analytics and inventory forecasting insights will help you ensure that you have enough inventory throughout your supply chain to fulfill demand. A centralized warehouse management system (WMS) such as the one used in WareIQ's logistics network, collects and records real-time inventory data which helps in inventory planning and management. Conclusion: How Can WareIQ Help in Decoupling Inventory? Inventory Management Solutions provided by WareIQ will help you track inventory in real-time and provide insights to assist you to improve stock availability. Its inventory management apps for eCommerce businesses allow you to create automated reorder point notifications based on prior inventory performance at the SKU level, so you'll know when you're running low on stock. WareIQ is a trusted and tested technology platform that gives you all the inventory details you need and lists all the variations in a single dashboard. Experts control every aspect of inventory management. You get the data and insights you need with WareIQ to gain control over the movement of inventory, lower carrying costs and ensure you always have enough inventory on hand to fulfill demand. Our intelligent method of inventory management ensures balanced inventory in multiple locations according to the order traffic and proximity to customers. Decoupling Inventory: FAQs How does WareIQ manage to decouple inventory?Inventory management systems using advance AI and ML platforms assist with inventory planning and management, demand forecasting and automation of warehouse processes to help eCommerce sellers tackle situations and manage decoupling inventory. What is the decoupling point in logistics?The Material Decoupling Point (MDP) is where push meets pull in the supply chain's materials pipeline. It often coincides with stock-holding points like warehouses or fulfillment centers. What are the step-by-step processes To implement inventory management?1. Determine your budget2. Make a warehousing plan3. Make a preliminary order list4. Select and implement the appropriate software5. Decide on a pricing range6. Recognize your true requirements7. Determine specific integrations you’ll require What is MRO inventory?MRO refers to components that are utilized in the manufacturing process but are not included in the final product, unlike raw materials. The consumable materials, equipment and supplies required for maintenance, repair and operations are included in the MRO inventory. What is hedge inventory?Hedge inventory is surplus inventory kept in stock as a buffer to limit the risks in case of any uncertainty or future price volatility.

June 20, 2022

What is Peak Season Shipping? 10 Proven Ways to Prepare eCommerce Stores for Peak Season Shipping in 2024

Businesses often wait for peak season to expand their operations, launch new products, open new branches, and more. The peak season has a lot of potential to generate sales and revenue. Businesses see it as an opportunity to populate their brand, clear stock, generate leads, and store data. Peak season sale is a familiar term for everyone who shops online but the people involved in setting it up know that it is a complex task and requires perfection in terms of planning and execution. Initiating the fulfillment process after getting multiple orders during peak season becomes more of a challenge than an opportunity. Learn the ins and outs of peak season shipping including the challenges, opportunities, planning, and factors to be taken care of before a big event. What is Peak Season Shipping? Peak season shipping or peak season fulfillment is the term that refers to fulfilling eCommerce orders during peak season when there are a high number of orders. The time of the year may differ depending on location, season, festival, culture, celebratory events, etc. During peak season shipping, retailers have a large number of orders to fulfill due to growing customer demand during that period. At this time, sales velocity is at its highest. It is a testing time for supply chain efficiency, inventory planning & management, 3PL fulfillment partners, and a seller's skills in order management. Any disruption can result in late delivery, damages, lower revenue margins, bad customer experiences, and ultimately downgrades a seller's ratings. [contactus_lilgoodness] Peak Season Shipping Challenges When you have a high number of orders, you have more chances of making mistakes during peak season shipping so let's look at some challenges that retailers face: Fulfilling Orders at a Fast Pace Fulfillment companies and sellers usually provide same-day and next-day delivery as one of their USPs which is quite a difficult task to achieve when you have high sales velocity. Peak season fulfillment is a trying time for retailers because every department will be struggling to meet its quotas due to the increased demand. On the other hand, customers continue to demand ultra-fast peak season shipping to take full advantage of the season. Lack of Staff During Holidays As the name suggests, seasonal sales occur during special times of the year so a large part of the workforce may want to take leaves which puts extra strain on retailers. This is not just limited to supply-chain staff but also employees that handle picking, packing, inventory management, and other processes. To counter this, a seller can ask their staff to work reduced shifts, provide incentives on orders and give their staff a bonus post-sale, based on their performance. High Expectations From Customers During peak season, customers expect to receive their orders before a specified time period. In India, peak season shipping needs to meet customers' expectations as they often plan ahead and expect to receive their orders before the start of a holiday season or festival. Risk of Product Damage Damage can occur during peak season fulfillment while storing, picking, packing, shipping, delivering, and managing returns. When retailers need to provide peak season shipping for a large number of orders, they cannot provide personalized care to each item because it will take extra time. They are under pressure to provide delivery services at the same pace while having to fulfill a much larger number of orders than any other time of the year, which leads to more careless handling of products and thus, there is more scope for mishaps to occur. Limited Amount of Warehouse Space While providing peak season shipping, you have more items to deliver which means that the sales velocity is high and you need to have an appropriate amount of inventory and enough space in the warehouse to store it. Keeping only a few items in stock can result in product shortages and storing more items than the warehouse capacity allows can result in product damage and deterioration. Incompetent Supply Chain Processes An incompetent supply chain could be your biggest challenge during peak season fulfillment. An order that is not fulfilled properly leads to customer dissatisfaction. If a logistics company does not deliver on time or damages the product in transit, there is a high chance of the customer returning the product and giving negative feedback to your business. The customer may never think of ordering from your business again which could result in other customers not giving it a chance. 10 Proven Ways to Prepare Online Stores for Peak Season in 2024 Plan in Advance To plan ahead of time and prepare online stores for peak season, arrange all of the data, create and implement planned promotions and figure out how you will handle the surge in demand. You can optimize stock levels and make smarter decisions about when and how much to reorder for each SKU by estimating demand. Though inventory forecasting may never be 100% precise, there are things you can do to bring your projections closer to reality such as analysing seasonal historical data, considering upcoming promotions and expected demands, and tracking fast-moving vs. slow-moving products to optimize stock levels. In the case of a stockout, you will have to set up a mechanism that immediately identifies products that have a low level of stock and that are out-of-stock in your store, so both you and your consumers are aware of the current availability of stock. If you have dead stock, you can launch a promotion or a flash eCommerce sale to clear it out and create space for in-demand products. Use Dropshipping & Direct Fulfillment Dropshipping, also known as direct fulfillment, is a business strategy in which online retailers, with the help of their merchants, distribute products directly to customers, without assistance from 3PL fulfillment services. Here, an eCommerce seller does not purchase or store inventory with them. They list it on their websites, generate sales, and take care of peak season shipping directly to the customer from their supplier or supply chain network. The dropshipping fulfillment process involves: eCommerce sellers listing items on their website or other selling channelsBuyers ordering a product from any of the platformsThe buyer is informed about the order placement and if there is an additional shipping feeSeller replicating the order with the supply chain network and keeps the vendor in the loopVendor or fulfillment companies pick & packing the order and ship it directly to the buyer Utilise Technology A simplified tech stack can increase peak season shipping speed while improving order accuracy. It also delivers accurate data in real-time that can be integrated across multiple platforms. Before you begin peak season shipping, add the following technological elements to your supply chain: Warehouse Management System (WMS)Inventory Management Software (IMS)Order managementSupply chain managementAutomated order processingRTOs and Returns management Partner With a Trusted 3PL Provider It's difficult to meet seasonal demand on your own and leasing your own warehouse can be costly and time-consuming. From inventory planning to returns management, working with a 3PL like WareIQ gives you access to premium technology and direct connections with major eCommerce systems. It's never too late to include technology in your supply chain if you want to optimize it before peak season fulfillment. Partnering with a 3PL can make the hectic season a lot easier to handle by providing the following: Ability to focus more on core business operationsFulfills orders on behalf of youTakes care of multi-channel sales orders Gives you multiple eCommerce warehouses and intelligent inventory placementProviding technological benefits and monitoring of your business from a single platformTake care of COD orders and settles transactions within a weekEnsures same-day and next-day delivery Utilize Multiple Shipping Carriers You can increase your peak season shipping flexibility by using different shipping companies. However, collaborating with various shipping carriers can be time-consuming and it may cause you to fall below the minimum shipping threshold required to receive discounted shipping prices. Fortunately, a 3PL like WareIQ can assist you by giving you the choice of a variety of logistics firms like BlueDart, DTDC, DHL, etc. This will allow you to optimize your shipping strategy without having to manage things on your own. WareIQ also negotiates bulk shipping costs so that you can benefit from the savings. Use Multiple Warehouses Across Different Locations If you work with a third-party logistics company, you will be able to distribute inventory across different fulfillment centers, lowering shipping costs and shortening transit times in the process. WareIQ has locations all across the nation. It gains access to data tools and helps you determine which regions are generating the most sales, so you can improve your inventory allocation plan accordingly because every location is driven by the same technology. You can match consumer expectations by using a distributed inventory technique to offer competitive, rapid and economical delivery choices such as same-day or next-day delivery with a minimum spending threshold that exceeds your average order value (AOV). Calculate MOQs and EOQs During peak season shipping, you need to have a good amount of inventory to fulfill the orders of all your buyers. Also, you must take care not to buy more inventory than is necessary to avoid your money being held up. To provide the ideal peak season fulfillment, you need to calculate the number of items you need to keep. There are two major ways to do so: Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) The economic order quantity (EOQ) is a method used to determine the actual inventory quantity to order. It is calculated after taking into account product demand, unit pricing, and holding costs to assist sellers in figuring out the order quantity. The purpose of EOQ is to help sellers figure out how many products they need to meet demand without overordering and raising their holding costs. A seller must have a good grip on the following to make this method work: Order costs – Cost per merchandise orderDemand rate – Sold units during a certain periodHolding costs – Expense for holding the product The EOQ formula is : EOQ = Square Root of [{ 2 (Order Costs) X (Remand Rate)} / Holding Costs ] Source Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) The minimum order quantity (MOQ) is a method used for calculating the amount of inventory a seller should order at any given time. This is for the sellers who wish to be careful with their ordering habits or want to maximize their cash on hand while avoiding excessive inventory storing and spending. There isn’t a set formula to calculate MOQ but a seller can calculate the right MOQ for their business by: Calculating DemandBeing Aware of Holding CostsKnowing the Breakeven PointDetermining MOQ Prioritize Your Peak Freight Shipments Shipments can get delayed during peak season shipping. You need to inform your freight partner about boxes or containers that consist of higher-priority items. Before a shipment is rolled out, the relevant teams will be notified and they can help guarantee that higher-priority boxes or containers will be given extra importance. You can prioritize using a variety of factors such as securing prepaid orders first and then others. If you sell laptops and other peripherals, try to deliver the laptop primarily and other related products after that so that there will be fewer chances of order cancellation, RTOs, and unhealthy feedback. The idea is that your key product should be delivered first. Establish Reverse Logistics By making the returns procedure as simple as possible for the customer, you can enhance brand loyalty and retain customers. A positive returns experience may also inspire your clients to exchange their items, allowing you to avoid losing a transaction. To ensure you are not losing money, make necessary changes to your return policy. Examine which products are getting the most returns, figure out why and make modifications to the products and/or product descriptions to better meet expectations. Also, make sure you have a well-defined return and exchange policy in place that is easy to comprehend and accessible on your online store or product listings page at all times of the year. Opt for Damage & RTO Insurance A recent report from April 21 to April 22 shows that Indian buyers returned 73% of products after buying them online. Damage and returns can be more painful than having few or no sales. Here, the seller pays delivery costs and risks product damage in transit twice and in the end, they do not achieve the sale and no revenue is generated. So these days, online sellers not only have an option of taking insurance on the product but also on RTOs. In RTO insurance, sellers are paid a specific amount of money if the product gets returned. WareIQ’s RTO Meter shows the RTO requests of individual buyers. If any buyer in the past had not received a product then it would reflect on the RTO Meter. A buyer with high RTOs is not preferred and insurance companies do not cover them in the policy. How Can WareIQ Help You in Peak Season Shipping? Ensuring that every component of your supply chain is synchronized is the best approach to preparing for peak season shipping and satisfying consumer expectations. You can outsource fulfillment to a 3PL expert like WareIQ instead of operating a warehouse, investing in your own fulfillment software, and shipping orders yourself. Leave it to the experts and save time and money to utilize it in the long run. WareIQ does not just provide multiple warehouses and logistics. It is a full-stack eCommerce fulfillment service provider that operates across India. It empowers you to ensure your customers receive same-day or next-day delivery. WareIQ provides warehouse management, inventory planning and management, logistics management, and much more, with full transparency in terms of operations and supplying real-time inventory information. Our custom WMS integrates with leading eCommerce selling channels allowing sellers to have all of their order and shipping data in one place. WareIQ also assists you with your item purchasing list by determining the right quantity and the right time to procure it. [signup] Peak Season Shipping FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) How do peak seasons affect the supply chain?Demand and supply in the market have a direct impact on supply chains. This is true not only for seasonal items but also for peaks and falls in sales throughout the year, like a rise in sales during holidays and a fall during off-seasons. What are peak season charges?Peak season charges or surcharges are a temporary increase in the base shipment rate that major shipping carriers impose to cover additional operational costs during periods of high demand. The majority of surcharges are in the form of a flat price per package that varies between carriers. What peak season fulfillment facilities does WareIQ provide?When you are busy selling products on multi-channels and managing your eCommerce shop, WareIQ assists you by taking care of order fulfillment, shipping services, sending order confirmation mail/messages, and taking delivery feedback from buyers. It also includes product warehousing, picking and packing as well as reverse logistics. How do holidays affect the supply chain?A chunk of the labour force could be on leave or if your supply chain is on schedule for the holidays, your vendors' supply chains with their manufacturers may be severely disrupted. When Is Peak Season?It generally depends on the location, season, festival, culture, celebratory events, etc. But in general, it happens to start in August and goes till the end of autumn, probably till Thanksgiving. Can a seller outsource to WareIQ during peak shipping season?Yes, a seller can outsource WareIQ during peak shipping season and any other time of the year. It's never too late to get partnered with WareIQ as a fulfillment partner.

June 15, 2022

5 Important Tricks to Maximize Sales Velocity in eCommerce Business in 2024

In our everyday life, we get hundreds of notifications on our mobile phones through the various applications we have downloaded. They are loaded with new offers, flash sales, newly launched products and much more. Businesses are spending millions on such promotional activities through the help of campaigning and CRM tools. The ultimate goal of them is to create sales opportunities. These sales opportunities help immensely to boost the presence of a company to their existing customers and also to new customers but the following question arises - Are those people continuing to buy products now or at any time in the future? This should be an important question that every eCommerce retailer should ask themselves. They should find out the rate of an increase or decrease in sales within a certain time frame. This captivating process is called sales velocity in eCommerce. What is Sales Velocity in eCommerce? Sales velocity in eCommerce is a term used to describe the measurement of revenue an eCommerce business earns within a given time period. It is a useful practice for brands to forecast their actual revenue generation in order to know the running cost & profit/loss of their business for the specified time period and how it is going to perform in the future. [contactus_uth] Sales Velocity Formula To calculate the sales velocity of an eCommerce business, you first need to bifurcate the business into segments such as small, medium and large. As every company has its unique definition of what constitutes each segment, the seller should divide them accordingly. After determining the market segments, apply the sales velocity formula for each one of them. Sales Velocity = (Total number of Opportunities x Deal Value x Win Rate) / Length of Sales Cycle(a time period) Why is it Necessary for Businesses to Track Sales Velocity in eCommerce? The capacity of a business to thrive and develop is largely determined by sales velocity in eCommerce. The quicker prospects move through your pipeline, the better your chances are of maintaining high velocity sales. As a result, high velocity sales reflect that a business is generating a lot of income in a short amount of time. Tracking sales velocity in eCommerce over time helps a seller to compare their company's performance to that of other companies, the efficacy of particular departments or areas and evaluate how changes in sales processes affect an organization, for better or worse. Understanding sales velocity in eCommerce can also assist companies in better forecasting and determining how to optimize the sales process for faster and more high velocity sales. 4 Important Factors That Impact Sales Velocity in eCommerce The four factors that impact sales velocity in eCommerce are and help to high velocity sales: Number of Opportunities(Qualified Leads)Average Deal ValueWin/Conversion RateDuration of Sales Cycle Number of Opportunities(Qualified Leads) A certain quantity of opportunities is always in your pipeline. Check to see if they're legitimate opportunities. Your bottom line will suffer if your pipeline is full of junk leads with only a few that have a possibility of converting. Average Deal Value In every transaction, the most important resource for both parties involved is time. Make sure you're getting the most out of it. For both your prospect and yourself, incorporating offers or add-ons will improve the calibre of leads while also raising your average deal value and high velocity sales. It is a lot more relevant for companies offering software as a service or businesses that use the subscription model, where customer lifetime value is the most important factor for the business. Win/Conversion Rate Your average win rate is determined by the number of high-quality leads you generate. To find the win rate, divide the number of sales achieved by the total number of sales opportunities that came across. It can later be subcategorized into SQL and MQL. SQL or Sales Qualified Leads are the leads that are converted into sales whereas,MQL or Marketing Qualified Leads are the leads that may get converted into sales in the future. Duration of Sales Cycle This is the only aspect of sales velocity in eCommerce that you should avoid increasing. Shortening your average sales cycle and closing more quality deals faster can be accomplished by creating a more efficient sales process, revising your sales playbook and occasionally adding manpower to your sales force. 5 Tricks for an eCommerce Business to Achieve High-Velocity Sales Once an eCommerce company's sales velocity has been precisely determined, it can be improved by increasing the number of opportunities, average deal size and win rate or shortening the sales cycle. Here are five tricks you can use in 2024 to achieve high-velocity sales. Increase the Number of Qualified Leads Sales velocity in eCommerce can be increased by increasing sales opportunities and sales opportunities can be increased by converting leads into qualified leads. A lead is a potential customer who has shown interest in a business by reaching out and interacting with it through inquiries through calls and emails and attending a seminar or exhibition by the business, etc. Leads are then turned into sales after the business takes care to qualify them within time. Conversely, an opportunity is a qualified lead. It means that the business has dealt with the lead and then converted it into a sale. A pipeline full of leads isn't always a positive thing as it might cause problems if the leads aren't thoroughly qualified. Concentrate your efforts on those who are a good fit for your solution. Focus on lead quality rather than quantity to improve the number of good chances in your pipeline. It's preferable to have a smaller number of high-quality leads than a large number of low-quality leads. Also, keep your expectations in check. Keep doing what's working for your company. If the solution is best suited for small firms, don't approach an eCommerce giant expecting to make a quick sale. There will always be opportunities to extend your consumer base but it is critical to keep your expectations realistic. Elevate the Average Deal Size A product is sold once its value matches or surpasses the price. Many times, a customer is willing to buy a product but they may not have enough money and sometimes the customer has money but they don't find that the value of the product matches the pricing so a seller needs to match that value and persuade the customer. Boosting average deal size can be explained as accurately as connecting value and pricing. When selling, one of your major concerns should be to focus on the customer's needs and pain points. Make each customer's presentation unique and deliver your solution in a way that demonstrates how it can satisfy their needs and alleviate their problems. Customers should regard you as a consultant who can assist them in finding a valued solution rather than a salesperson seeking to meet given targets. Also, make sure you're using your time wisely. Don't rush anyone through the process but give bigger opportunities with larger clients more time and consideration. You'll be able to devote more time to the deals that will have a bigger impact if you finish your smaller deals faster. Now it's time to start building and nurturing relationships. Building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with consumers will increase the average deal size significantly. CRM software makes this simple, allowing users to maintain customer connections and provide additional value to both buyers and sellers. Optimize Conversions Customers may leave your sales pipeline for a variety of reasons. Identifying why your consumers are or aren't buying is critical for optimizing your conversion rate, whether it's due to a rival or their lack of enthusiasm to address a problem. Ensure that you undertake a thorough sales discovery at the onset of your relationship with the consumer. Recognize why the customer is looking for a solution and position your company as the answer. Match each of their requirements to a feature of your solution. Remember to emphasize the risks of not jumping at the opportunity as well as the advantages of fixing the problem. Keep in mind that your sales process and the buyer’s journey are similar but not identical. Be patient with customers as they go through the process of making a purchase decision. Analyze your sales process to figure out where the customers are getting out of the deal. The problem might be that you need different lead qualification standards or that your representatives need more value demonstration practice. Find areas of struggle in your sales process, identify the problem and take action to resolve it. Reduce the Duration of the Sales Cycle Every transaction is unique and the amount of time you spend selling to each consumer will vary. Smaller and less established organizations can make faster judgments since they have fewer requirements and stakeholders to persuade. Understanding the size of a company and its desire to solve a problem will help you determine how soon you can sell to them. When a customer contacts you, don't be slow to answer. Reach out as soon as a lead has been qualified. If you're further along in the sales process and they're contacting you with concerns, make it a point to get them the information they need as soon as possible. Another strategy to shorten your sales cycle is to have ready-to-distribute material. Customers should have access to blogs, case studies, tutorials and product overviews. By avoiding any back-and-forth with queries and responses, you will save time. If you notice that your sales funnel is sluggish, it's usually because of this. Trust your instincts and respond as quickly as possible. Accelerate Growth with High Velocity Sales A full pipeline does not always imply a productive pipeline. Keep a close eye on sales velocity and the four major factors that influence it. Be careful to measure it on a regular basis and keep track of any changes. Conclusion: How Does Sales Velocity in eCommerce Help a Growing Business and How Can WareIQ Assist in 2024? Sales velocity in eCommerce is a helpful tool used by businesses to calculate their sales with respect to different timeframes and scrutinize the reoccurring problems faced by potential buyers. Creating a sale is not the most difficult part but mitigating customer difficulties through easy product delivery, branded packaging, calculating MOQ, etc. should be the real concern. In the process, most eCommerce companies get directly involved and waste their time and resources which reflects a failure in terms of sales velocity numbers (data). Comparatively, a lot of eCommerce companies are taking the help of 3PL fulfillment companies. WareIQ is one of the trustworthy fulfillment companies that promises to be a vital resource to their partners. In terms of the four factors that result in high velocity sales, here is how WareIQ can help with each one: Number of Opportunities(Qualified Leads) Our custom and highly advanced AI and ML-based WMS software have the following features: Deals immediately with your qualified leadsAnswers queries of confused buyers which persuades them to make a dealReduces the frequency of RTOs Average Deal Value A company looks for lifelong loyal buyers to increase sales velocity in eCommerce. Companies can do this by convincing users that they are getting the best deal possible We make this possible by providing the following: Hassle-free fulfillmentPersonalized customer experiencesBranded shippingEnabling high discounts Win/Conversion Rate Conversion rates are enhanced by increasing sales through different techniques, such as selling on multiple channels and running flash sales and campaigns. Here’s how WareIQ can help: Through our integrations with multiple platforms, sellers can keep track of all their data, across channels, in one place.We solve problems that buyers may face in real-time through our tracking pages, customer support etc.We entice customers by providing same-day and next-day delivery at lower shipping costs. Duration of Sales Cycle In the eCommerce market, delivery timing plays an important role in a sale. Customers are willing to pay more to get their delivery as soon as possible. WareIQ helps businesses by providing the following: Multiple warehouses in prime locations minimize the delivery time and ultimately, the sales cycle time.We give retailers access to more than 20 of the fastest courier services in the country and smartly allocate orders to the most relevant and cheapest option.We take care of order fulfillment, from the moment an order is confirmed till the time it is successfully delivered to the customer.We offer fulfillment 24/7 which reduces time for retailers as well as their customers. [signup] Sales Velocity in eCommerce - FAQs What does velocity mean in business?In business, velocity refers to the time it takes for a corporation to reach particular milestones, which can be measured in days, hours or minutes. It refers to the amount of work performed in a particular amount of time. Additionally, velocity may be used in various departments, including product or service development, sales and marketing. How do you increase sales velocity?You can increase sales velocity by:Increasing the number of opportunities for salesIncreasing the average deal sizeImproving your personal success rateReducing the time it takes for you to close a sale How to calculate sales velocity in eCommerce?Sales velocity is calculated by multiplying the number of opportunities created in a given period by your average selling price and close rate and then dividing it by your sales cycle, which is calculated over the same time period. What is lead velocity or lead velocity rate?The Lead Velocity Rate (LVR) is a metric that monitors the month-over-month growth in the number of qualified leads your company generates. Your LVR percentage is a measure of the efficiency of your pipeline and the long-term growth potential of your organization. What is SKU velocity?The frequency with which each SKU is picked over a given period of time is referred to as SKU velocity. It is a supply chain KPI that's often used to evaluate a logistics facility's stock distribution plan across multiple sites.

June 06, 2022

Why is eCommerce Order Tracking Important? Top 5 Tools for Tracking eCommerce Orders in 2024

Since eCommerce businesses rely on logistics companies to get their products into customers' hands, the logistics industry as a whole has been directly impacted. The logistics industry has expanded enormously as a result of the rise of the eCommerce sector, providing new technologies to help improve online shopping experiences. eCommerce order tracking is one such service that stands out in the world of eCommerce logistics. Advanced eCommerce order tracking software allows companies to track and manage their orders while they are in transit. This allows businesses to fix any issues that may arise during transit, as well as provide customers with information about the eCommerce order status of their goods. Today we will learn about every aspect of eCommerce order tracking and how it is beneficial to the eCommerce industry in 2024 by ensuring customers can keep an eye on their orders as well as helping retailers understand if there are any errors or delays that have taken place. What is eCommerce Order Tracking? eCommerce order tracking is the process through which customers can track the eCommerce fulfillment status of their orders in real-time. It includes features like shipment tracking, Estimated Time of Arrival(ETA), and frequent updates on the location of the order. It plays an important role in enhancing the customer experience while product fulfillment, ETA and being notified of any delays, help a retailer track the product if they have opted for dropshipping, retail fulfillment, choosing a third-party logistics service, or tracking reverse logistics during order fulfillment. [contactus_gynoveda] Top Factors that Affect eCommerce Tracking Order Lack of Technology eCommerce order tracking requires the use of advanced technology, mostly from the seller's end. A supply chain system must get updated at each stage and should reflect in the eCommerce order tracking page. Any failure of technology at any point will affect the entire process. A few points to note are: A buyer just needs to have a smartphone to access the eCommerce order status but a seller needs to have advanced software.A good website is required to check for Pincode availability.An automated mail sender for sending order placement confirmation messages and emails with the order tracking IDs is needed.An order tracking tool is required such as a webpage.Human resources are required to handle and update it in case of any errors or glitches.An advanced software system is required to automate the entire eCommerce order tracking process.A dedicated customer care official to handle any related queries and issues is needed.A chatbot is needed to answer minor tracking-related queries in real-time. Shortage of Capital Investment A small eCommerce business with limited capital can barely afford to place MOQs and EOQs so they may also struggle to afford a decent eCommerce order tracking software. Developing an eCommerce order status system and keeping it connected with real-time logistics processes is a money-consuming task. It not only requires a huge one-time investment but also a constant short-term investment. Lack of Fulfillment Processes Fulfillment is a term that consists of various aspects that need to be taken into consideration and includes tasks such as transportation and logistics. Order fulfillment consists of eCommerce order status, proper inventory tracking, order information needed for picking the product from a particular warehouse, creating scan codes and tracking ID/number, ETA, etc. Lack of Expertise A supply chain runs 24/7 on high-end technology. It demands 100% accuracy and the shortest delivery time possible. For such tasks, retailers or their partners are required to be well-versed in technology as well as fieldwork expertise. Any mistake can ultimately result in a loss for a seller in terms of product damage and can create a bad image which ultimately results in poor feedback and buyer relinquishment. 5 Benefits of eCommerce Order Tracking Increases Customer Satisfaction With the eCommerce industry being so competitive, online shopping practically requires providing a good customer experience. If you don't want to lose business and seek to provide similar facilities to Amazon or other eCommerce giants, you must have an eCommerce order tracking system in place. Customers will notice if you don't provide the anticipated quality of service, putting your client loyalty at risk. Customers are more likely to write a positive review and re-buy from you in the future if you provide eCommerce order tracking to them. It not only gives them the most up-to-date information but also a sense that you care about their overall experience. Before reaching the customer, an order may pass through a post office or sorting facility after leaving a warehouse, 3PL fulfillment center, or packing facility. Customers will be less confused if they are kept informed. Reduces Costs Engaging customers is a very tough task for a business. Many companies do numerous things to keep their customers engaged such as arranging quizzes, running campaigns, and promoting their brands on social media, which costs them a lot of money. Customers want to be able to follow the progress of their orders. If you don't supply it, you'll almost certainly have to deal with hundreds of WISMO (where is my order) calls consumer complaints, and inquiries, which will be quite expensive in the long run. It's a vital scenario; if you don't act quickly, your customer reviews will suffer. It can devalue the brand's image. The number of inquiry calls/messages will drop considerably if you provide order tracking to customers where all tracking information would be generated automatically. You may save effort, reduce the stress on your customer service team and focus on quality assurance by automating order fulfillment with order tracking. This will save you time and money, allowing you to spend it in other ways to improve client experiences. Controls Order Fulfillment Quality It enables eCommerce companies to deal with problems in real time. The lifetime value of your consumers will rise when these basic solutions are provided. Also, many eCommerce sellers partner with third-party fulfillment providers for taking advantage of multiple warehouses at an optimum cost where they do not control logistics directly so with eCommerce order tracking, they can track their products when they are dispatched for fulfillment. Lowers Workload Expenses Whether you have a large customer service team or not, they will still benefit from automating eCommerce order tracking procedures. They might put this time saved to good use by providing personalised service to dissatisfied clients. Overall, your consumer experience becomes more smooth while maintaining a high level of quality. Helps in Tracking RTOs Order tracking benefits both eCommerce firms and their customers from a 360-degree perspective. This can also come in handy when dealing with a large number of RTO requests. Sellers can get an idea about which products and orders are being returned and from which locations, which can assist in the mitigation of RTO-related losses. Top Strategies to Get the Most Out of Tracking eCommerce Orders Utilize eCommerce Order Status Pages as a Means of Marketing eCommerce order tracking pages can be customized to tell customers about upcoming or existing flash sales, the introduction of new products, positive customer testimonials, and ask them for valuable feedback. This increases the amount of time a customer spends on your page as opposed to your competitor's websites. Integrate Live Chatbots for Answering Tracking-Related Queries in Real-Time In today’s world, people are in the habit of two-way communication. They want to ask questions and get a reply to their queries immediately and most sellers do not have a customer support executive to handle these queries so Live Chat through bots comes to the rescue. If sellers facilitate a Live Chat customer support system, they will turn out to have a better customer experience with a more personalized touch. Show Buyers Your Appreciation During Every Purchase The tracking system will know when the product got delivered, so automate a thank you letter to show the buyer that you appreciate the purchase. Additionally, you can give extra discounts to the same customer for further purchases, based on terms and conditions. Collect as Much Data About the Order and the Customer as You Can Customer data can be a potential MQL (marketing qualified lead) for any seller. They know that the buyer might buy similar products or products related to their last purchase, in the future. Most eCommerce giants are spending billions on acquiring customer data by not only collecting it but also buying it because they know that it will help them to figure out and forecast according to customers’ preferences. Mention the ETA and Adjust it According to Delivery Forecasts When a buyer arrives at your page and sees your products’ availability on multiple eCommerce selling channels, they check if the delivery is serviceable to their address and what the ETA is. Providing an accurate ETA is helpful for both parties because the customer gets an expectation of when it will arrive and the seller has a target of when they need to deliver the order. Use Personalized Data for Future Campaigns Post completion of the delivery, the eCommerce order tracking page provides a confirmation of the delivery and can include a field for customers to provide their feedback or give ratings for the various services they have encountered. Honest feedback helps provide valuable insight into a buyer’s tastes and behaviours which can be used in marketing and promotional campaigns in the future. Top 5 Tools for eCommerce Order Tracking in 2024 WareIQ Source Among the order tracking tools that are available, WareIQ is one the best and most trustable tracking tools for eCommerce orders and enables real-time tracking across India. WareIQ is a full-stack eCommerce fulfillment platform that provides superior order management services too. It enables order management, inventory management, returns management and a whole lot more as well as order tracking for online sellers and their customers, across multiple channels. It also utilizes a pan-India network of warehouses to enable same-day or next-day shipping to buyers. A few features of the fulfillment company are listed below: Manages order data, inventory levels, and billing from the same systemFulfillment of orders, as well as providing branded shippingReduces RTO rates through an RTO ShieldStores inventory in multiple- fulfillment centers across the countryHelps in ordering inventory according to EOQ and MOQQuick setup, scale-up, and scale-down according to seasonality, sales order velocity, and other factors It helps sellers to enable and utilize the facilities in three simple steps: Step 1 Suggests intelligent inventory placements. To recommend optimal inventory placement, it uses technology to analyze the order density, SKU velocity, seasonality, and market trend by location. Step 2 Picks up your products and distribute them to their hubs from your central warehouse. They combine their platform with sellers' online storefronts and marketplaces. Step 3 Pick, Pack, and Ship; uses the same inventory to fulfill orders from the seller’s online marketplaces, and offers smart shipping where the fastest and cheapest courier service is always chosen to enable the fastest possible delivery at all times. WareIQ provides a full shipping journey and real-time order updates on the tracking page. It offers branded tracking page exclusively to its e-commerce clients to boost brand awareness, repeat customers & improve post-purchase engagement. Shippo Source Shippo is an integrated shipping partner for Gator Website Builder's eCommerce websites. It also works with Magento and WooCommerce, as well as Mercari, Etsy, eBay, and Amazon marketplace systems, as well as national postal services in some non-US nations. It offers drastically discounted fares on major domestic and international carriers. A few features are listed below: Order fulfillment and branded tracking updatesQuick returns and finding the best shipping ratesVendors can provide delivery updates to consumers via email and textCreation of branded tracking pages on the website ShipStation Source ShipStation is a comprehensive shipping tool that manages orders from major eCommerce channels, gets the cheapest prices from different carriers, keeps customers up to speed on order status, streamlines customer returns, records inventory and provides statistics. Marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, Alibaba, Etsy, eBay, and Jet use Shipstation. Some of their features are: Is compatible with both WooCommerce and MagentoWorks with major shipping companies and provides low ratesAllows you to create a bespoke tracking system for mobile and desktop that displays to your consumers, where their order is and the ETA Shipway Source Shipway is an eCommerce automation tool that helps companies automate their order management and shipping processes. It employs artificial intelligence to automate and avoid fraud, as well as to assist businesses in executing deliveries smoothly. To maximize the chances of connecting with customers, the platform uses different methods to reach out to them. It works with over 12,000 brands and is integrated with over 600 carriers in local and international marketsMonitors about 200,000 orders per day and has sent out more than 500 million notices to dateAssists businesses in creating branded tracking pages for a better user experienceSends out real-time and periodic updates on the status of orders which results in reduced inquiry callsGenerates detailed reports on carrier performance and aids in the reduction of RTO rates ShipWell Source ShipWell is a transportation management solution that helps companies to keep track of their orders while they travel. ShipWell uses data from ELDs and mobile devices to provide real-time product tracking. The platform employs notifications to keep you updated on the status of your order while it's in transit. A managed service team is also available for high-quality client assistance on the platform. Ensures end-to-end visibility with native ELD connectors and the Shipwell Mobile appTracks and traces shipments on the platform, which has access to over 2 million ELD-connected units and 850,000 driversEliminates blind spots throughout the shipment lifecycleIdentifies potential risks so that they are taken care ofImproves customer service by streamlining carrier touchpoints Conclusion: What eCommerce Order Tracking Facilities Does WareIQ Provide? WareIQ helps you to enhance customer experience by allowing them to track their orders at every stage of fulfillment, including when they are received, packed, shipped, in transit, out for delivery, and delivered. Even if an item is being returned, refunded, or exchanged, there will be reverse order tracking provided to both parties to mitigate any confusion. Online customers are notified in real-time through all channels - email, WhatsApp, text messages, etc. In addition, we offer the ability to customize your eCommerce order tracking page with product snippets, brand details and customer care information, so that users will stay engaged with your brand even after purchase. WareIQ's branded tracking page is an opportunity to turn your order tracking page into a profitable marketing channel, where you cross-sell & up-sell using marketing banners, logos, store links etc. [signup] eCommerce Order Tracking FAQs What is branded order tracking?A branded eCommerce order tracking page improves the post-purchase experience of customers by putting useful information through clear and customized content. What is eCommerce order tracking?Clients can track the eCommerce order status of their online orders in real-time with eCommerce order tracking technology. Expected delivery dates, shipment tracking, and regular updates on the eCommerce order status are among the main services it provides. Can I track a package with the order number?No. The order number and the tracking number are two separate numbers. Buyers can only track their packages using a tracking number; tracing a parcel using the order number is not feasible. How does product tracking work?In simple terms, monitoring a package or courier entails locating packages and containers, as well as other items, during the sorting and delivery process. This allows you to confirm their location and source, as well as get an estimated delivery date. Can WareIQ help me with order tracking?Definitely, Yes! WareIQ can help you with eCommerce order tracking and reverse order tracking.

June 06, 2022

What is a Flash Sale in eCommerce? 10 Short and Simple Tricks to Run a Successful Flash Sale in 2024

These days, with everyone having a mobile phone and access to cheap, unlimited data, customers constantly browse various eCommerce marketplaces and try to keep their eyes peeled for the best possible deals and discounts. If they find something that catches their fancy at a reasonable rate, then they either buy it on the spot or keep it in their cart/wishlist to buy it later. There are also people who wait for festive season offers and flash sales in eCommerce to purchase items when the time is right. It will enable your store to get positive feedback from customers who leave reviews talking about how they purchased items for a highly discounted price. Such short-period discounts are also called flash sales in eCommerce, where a seller offers large discounts to either promote a product or get rid of inventory. Customers constantly scout for beneficial flash sales in eCommerce. It motivates people to buy products in bulk because they know they are getting a good deal. It is a win-win situation for both buyers and sellers. As a seller, you need to capitalize on these sales in order to generate buzz around your product. What is a Flash Sale in eCommerce? A flash sale in eCommerce is a promotional short-term sale on various products offered by eCommerce stores. Mostly, it lasts for less than a day up to a maximum period of three days. The goal is to tempt online buyers to buy on impulse, increase brand presence, occupy space in the mind of buyers, and increase customer loyalty. Also, it indirectly prompts buyers to check out other non-sale products listed on the same site by the same buyer. It is a new era of sales and marketing strategy that has become quite popular as it ignites interest among online buyers, has a greater impact on social networks to increase recall value, and generates more CTR in mailing and ad campaigns. It has resulted in great opportunities for selling a large number of products in a few hours and clearing up an inventory but a flash sale in eCommerce also requires preparation if you are expecting it to be a long-term profitable move. This psychology hits buyers and sparks excitement in their FOMO which encourages impulse buying. [contactus_lilgoodness] What are the Benefits of Running a Flash Sale in eCommerce? When you run a flash sale, you not only get a higher volume of orders and more revenue but you also get a lot more benefits than you generally would on a normal day. These benefits are: Advertisement Opportunity When a seller provides a huge discount, they keep promoting it so it helps you to advertise your brand and brings more engagement to your products. Gets Rid of Old and Unpopular Stock It is an opportunity for a seller to get rid of the old stock by offering discounts. They can promote an unpopular product and also get rid of products that may not have selling potential and occupy the inventory space for long periods of time. Increases Cash Flow Cash flow in a business is a very essential thing. All start-ups, in spite of making millions and billions in profits, care about cash flow so that they can increase their profit margins and make their shareholders happy. Frees Up Space for Inventory Excess inventory, such as out-of-season items or deadstock, can be eliminated using flash sales. They aid in the reduction of inventory carrying and operating costs. Furthermore, if products have been accumulating dust in a warehouse, they can be moved out to create space for new, in-demand items. Drives Sales Through FOMO Customers dislike the feeling of missing out on something, especially a flash sale in eCommerce. You can entice potential buyers who have been waiting for the ideal price point by opting to run a flash sale. Has a Large Impact on Social Media The concept of a short-time eCommerce flash sale has a very huge impact on creating hype on social media and increasing traffic on your website or online marketplace. The buyer may come to buy discounted items but may start browsing for other products too, listed by the same seller. Suggested Read: How does Flash Sales impact Online Consumer Behavior? Helps in Generating Leads When you run a flash sale, people can get discounts, sign-in, share their contact details, enable cookies and visit websites so it generates a lot of potential leads that a seller can use in the future as a push strategy to sell their products. Improves the Reaction Rate When you run a flash sale, it directs existing and new buyers to your page if they can get a good, discounted deal. Not only will they buy from you again but they will also suggest your products to others. Providing a high volume of sales in a short period of time can result in more social feedback and reviews from buyers. Hindrance of a Flash Sale in eCommerce Order Fulfillment As an online seller, you would have 1st hand experience that order fulfillment can be a tedious task. During a flash sale in eCommerce, you could get hundreds or thousands of orders daily from all over India, and then you need to deliver them as soon as possible, accurately. You can also take help from 3PL logistics companies but it can also be a testing time for them. They need to take care of picking, packing, branded shipping, and delivering the order as soon as possible. It will ultimately ruin your brand image. If you are a multichannel seller and you run a flash sale on multiple channels, things get even more difficult. Profitability You should expect more traffic and sales volume if you provide larger discounts when you run a flash sale. However, if you discount too much, you risk selling at levels where you lose money. Because a retailer's average profit margin is roughly 50%, a flash sale in eCommerce where you give a buy-one-get-one-free deal or other lucrative discounts, will only allow you to break even at best if that margin applies to whatever you're offering. Groupon, which relied primarily on flash sales, saw its value plummet after becoming a publicly traded business, most likely as a result of undercutting profitability with flash discounts. Timing The results of a flash sale in eCommerce depend very much upon the timing of the sale. You should choose a time of day when demand would already be high. Research says the most active days of the week are Mondays to Thursdays. Graphs of purchases are higher in the first week of the month as people get salaries and they can finally order items in their kart or wishlist. If a seller runs a flash sale when buyers are less interested and there is less demand, purchases may not result in the product category you were aiming for. You should never run a flash sale during a dip in general demand. Rather, you can have an end-of-season sale. 10 Ways to Run a Flash Sale Successfully in 2024 Define the Goal of the Flash Sale Planning is should be the very first step before starting with anything else. In this situation, since a seller is planning to run a flash sale, they need to make the checklist of the following: A seller must offer a good discount but not enough that they may have to suffer later.If a product is unavailable in the market, they shouldn’t decrease its price of it.They should scale the demand and limit the supply.They should plan for how long they are going to run a flash sale.They need to find delivery partners that are ready to fulfill across the nation.If the flash sale is being run across multiple channels, sellers should identify ways they can track the data.They should assess the expenses associated with it and figure out their cost-bearing capacity. Choose Your Target Market When we talk about quality over quantity, we are referring to how we should try and serve or cater to our target customers. A seller should identify which customers would be interested in their product and also if they’d be able to afford it. If the above criteria are not fulfilled, there is very less probability that they will end up purchasing your products. Suppose you sell computers and other electronics and you are willing to run a flash sale of graphic cards, you would not target children or people who are old. This is because children would not have the financial capabilities of purchasing the items and elderly people would not be interested in them. The ideal target audience would be in the age group of 18-35, college students, and young working professionals. Now that you have identified your target market and the right product, invest your energy there to get a good result. Choose the Duration of the Sale Once you have chosen your target audience, you need to shortlist the perfect time to implement it. You may choose the weekend if you have a lot of inventory or vice-versa. You can either implement a flash sale in eCommerce during a festival if you have old stock or offer the sale post-festival when your stock accumulates. After you decide on the time, decide on the duration of the sale. It could range from minutes to days. The ideal duration of an eCommerce flash sale is around 72 hours. Promote the Sale to Target Customers After you choose the target market and the perfect time and duration to launch the sale, it's time to tell the world about your offer. Design your promotional material so that it resonates with your audience. Try to start promoting a week before so that many people will be aware of it, save your products in a wishlist, set a reminder, and collect money for the product. As the sale approaches, keep sending out reminders and messages. Plan the Sale Clearly An impactful message is able to communicate with the reader/customer. It should be descriptive about what you are offering when you are offering it and on top of all, what your company strives for. To design an eye-catching message, you can go through the following: The offer should be clearly visibleVibrant colors should be usedUse words like free, discount, sale, offer, etc.It should not consist of too many wordsContain the features in bullet pointsUse good pictures of the productDesign messages according to the mediumOn social media or email campaigns, do not forget to give a relevant CTA button Run a Flash Sale for a Short Duration Always try to offer a flash sale for a short period of time. When you run a flash sale for long periods of time, it has a negative impact on buyers. They may think that your products are not getting sold or there may be some manufacturing defects. Also, many customers don't take long-period sales seriously. When a customer buys a product in a sale that only runs for a short period, they perceive it as getting a good deal. Long sales take away some of that prestige. Keep Your Inventory Ready Keep a perfect count and track of your inventory. You need to identify how many products you have, how many types and units you can add to the sale, where they are located, and what is the count of products in each warehouse. Many times, the purpose of a flash sale is to clear old stock so sellers should take care of material rotation by applying First-In, First-Out (FIFO), Last-In, First-Out (LIFO), or First-Expired, First-Out (FEFO) procedures. Suggested Read: Inventory preparation for sales season Partner with Trusted Shipping Companies Until and unless your product reaches the customer, the purpose of the sale is not fulfilled. You have done the hard work of identifying your target group, designing the message for them, investing to increase items in your inventory, etc. And at the end of all this, if you do not have a delivery partner to deliver the product in a punctual manner, it will all be for nothing. You may never be able to attract those customers again. They will have a mindset that you cannot deliver at their address. You as a seller should partner with numerous eCommerce logistics companies, selecting them based on their expertise in different situations and locations. Aim for Customer Retention The ultimate goal of the flash sale in eCommerce is to make the world aware of the brand, forge a new customer base, and retain old customers. A seller should always sell a product that is in good condition, despite selling it during a sale because once a seller ships a defective product, customers will not only return it, they will never buy from you again and will also give poor feedback that will impact other customers and customer feedback is king in eCommerce. Measure the Results You are operating a business so you must keep track of many things for paying your employee's salary, operational costs, profit margins, etc. When you have a flash sale in eCommerce, you need to think apart from monetary terms and calculate the ton-tangible profits that you earn from the flash sale. Measure how many items you sold, the total amount you got from sales, subtract the expenses and measure the profit, the number of people you reached, how many of them became repeat customers, whether you met their expectations, and many more factors. Reasons Why a Flash Sale in eCommerce Fail and How to Avoid Them Lack of Supply Chain Options To be a good seller, you will have to place the utmost importance on delivery. You can run a flash sale and get orders but until you streamline your delivery process, you will lose money and customers. If you opt for prepaid orders, customers can ask for a refund, and incurring these extra expenditures will defeat the whole point of the sale. Lack of Knowledge of Inventory Levels If you are ready to have a flash sale in eCommerce, you need to assess your available inventory and which items would be a part of the sale. 2 situations can arise if you are not careful: Shortage of Items Sometimes, if proper forecasting of demand and supply is not done, you can end up in a situation where you do not have enough inventory to fulfill orders. Over Stocking Conversely, a lack of inventory forecasting can also lead to a surplus of inventory that you had not bargained for. Both these situations will result in extra expenses for the business. To overcome such situations, use MOQ and EOQ techniques for maintaining inventory. Website Failures Your website is your virtual shop and is open 24/7, serving all the requirements of a buyer. It acts as a channel between you and your customers. If this communication channel breaks down, a buyer will not be able to browse or achieve what they wanted. After getting their attention and capturing their interest and desire, if they can't get what they wanted, they won’t opt to purchase from you again. Lack of Forecasting Operating a business is an uncertain task so it will always be considered risky. A seller should be predictive. If a seller does not do proper forecasting and is incompetent in measuring market demand, they will make a mess of things. An eCommerce seller should think of all the inefficiencies that could take place during a flash sale in eCommerce and have alternatives like retail fulfillment in case of inventory shortages or COD in case of a high chance of reverse logistics. Conclusion: How can WareIQ Help You to Run a Flash Sale in eCommerce? A flash sale in eCommerce has many implications, both positive and negative. If done right, a seller can increase awareness and demand for their products and can have multiple orders in a short period of time. Conversely, if it is not implemented properly, sellers have a significant chance of running into losses and increased expenses. WareIQ can help your business to run a flash sale, by being able to integrate multiple eCommerce marketplaces with our custom WMS, which assists in inventory management and order tracking facilities, in one place. WareIQ as a fulfillment partner will take care of the following aspects of running a flash sale in eCommerce: Receives and tracks orders across multi-channelsPicking & PackingUltra-fast deliveryOrder tracking facilitiesTakes care of COD ordersMeasures MOQ and EOQEnsures a good delivery experience for customers [signup] Flash Sale in eCommerce: FAQs What is a flash sale in eCommerce?A flash sale in eCommerce is a promotion, offering discounts on the prices of some products by an online seller for a short period of time only. The duration can be from a few minutes to a few days. What is a flash sale strategy?A flash sale occurs when an online retailer offers significant discounts or incentives for a limited time. The main goals of a flash sale strategy are to entice online buyers to buy at the spur of the moment, enhance short-term sales and move excess inventory. How long should one run a flash sale?A flash sale is a limited-time discount or promotion that typically lasts between 24 to 72 hours. They're also wonderful for bringing in some quick cash. With flash sales, heavy discounts are offered for hours or days. This is the reason for its popularity among buyers. What are the Benefits of a flash sale?A flash sale might help you reduce your inventory by generating new demand for your products. Customers who have never purchased previously may be enticed to do so by a factors such as a highly discounted price of an item. Selling old products and introducing new ones can also help you save money on operations and inventory. What is the difference between a regular sale and a flash sale?In three ways, flash sales are distinct from ordinary internet deals: Discounts and promos are far superior to what your company normally provides and they last for a far shorter duration than an online store's regular sale time-period.

June 01, 2022

What is Order Management & Order Processing? Definition, Importance, Key Features and Top 5 Order Management Software in 2024

If you are an eCommerce seller, your ultimate goal would be to sell hundreds of products daily. Once you start putting effort in the right direction with proper guidance then you will receive the targeted order requests sooner or later and have a bunch of buyers who trust your brand. Once you have found your niche in the eCommerce marketplace, the next step would be to streamline eCommerce order management for a better customer experience. For this, you will have to get listed on multiple selling channels, keep a good amount of inventory, operate multiple eCommerce warehouses in different locations, enlist competent human resources, employ software to automate and streamline processes, and tie up with logistic companies, and much more. All of the above steps can be summarised as order processing or management. It consists of every step that is related to online selling. An online seller may not be aware of some of these processes but their business will surely be involved if they have offloaded order management to a 3PL fulfillment company. To get a detailed understanding of order processing, how to perform it effectively, utilise all the benefits, and remove unnecessary time and resources, read ahead. What is Order Management? It refers to handling an eCommerce order from the very first step of receiving the order request from the customer to taking care of post-delivery processes like feedback, receipt of payment, reverse logistics, and maintaining the appropriate inventory levels. A company lacking proper order management will be unable to manage inventory and fulfill orders in a timely and efficient manner. eCommerce companies operating in India have to serve the largest market in the world, consisting of 1.4 billion people, and have to manage eCommerce orders in every corner of this vast country. It is impossible to cater to every customer if you do not have the time and necessary resources to do so. After getting orders, you need to fulfill them, maintain inventory, and a lot more. For this, you need a large, dedicated workforce operating 24/7. Once you have this in place, it is a daily requirement to coordinate with them to provide effective order management. [contactus_gynoveda] Why is Order Processing Important for eCommerce Businesses in 2024? Order processing is the process of receiving an order to deliver it. This is an essential aspect of retail order fulfillment in the eCommerce space, as reliability and accuracy lead to client satisfaction. Picking, sorting, tracking, and shipping are the steps involved in order processing. Depending on the business, It can range from manual (handwritten on an order log sheet) to highly technological and data-driven (through online orders and automated order processing software). Importance of Order Processing Management for eCommerce Businesses Inventory Tracking Before you receive orders, you must ensure you have adequate inventory. Both overstocking and understocking can be a weakness for your business. Overstocking can make you look like a sitting duck with less liquid cash. Conversely, understocking might result in delayed customer delivery, lowering your brand value. Through Minimum Order Quantity and Economic Order Quantity, you can manage seasonal sales based on previous customer purchases. This way, you can avoid both over and understocking. Accurate Order Fulfillment When you have to take care of only a few orders, it is accurate to deliver but quite expensive to fulfill exclusively. However, when your business gets off the ground, you will get a hefty amount of orders regularly. Errors will become inevitable. Your company's reputation will be harmed if you deliver incorrect orders or have shipment delays. Order management software automates the process and eliminates the risk of human error. Time-Saving If you manage an eCommerce business, you are a visionary entrepreneur. Most of your resources will be spent on lengthy order fulfillment duties if you don't manage orders in advance. You can employ a professional 3PL business to handle all of your order fulfillment tasks to avoid wasting important resources on all of these time-consuming duties. What are Order Management Processes? The order management process begins once a customer places and pays for an order. The order information is sent to the inventory department of the store, where warehouse staff handles the picking, packing, and shipping. The procedure concludes with the store contacting the consumer to see if they were satisfied with their purchase. The steps of the process are listed below: Receiving Orders The first stage begins when a consumer places an order. It includes the process of accepting a customer's order and collecting the payment for it. After that, the purchase details are forwarded to warehouse management, where a related person can prepare the products for shipment. Fulfilling Orders Fulfilling an order is quite a long and complex process that includes several steps. A few of the important ones are: Picking: The picking procedure, in which the items are picked from the warehouse, is the first step in fulfilling an order. Warehouses are typically lined with shelves packed with a variety of products, thus warehouse experts must be able to immediately and accurately select the ordered item. After the items have been picked, they are transported to a packaging station where they are packed. Packing: The packing station is responsible for more than just packing products and transporting them. They're also in charge of selecting the appropriate packaging materials for each product so that it arrives undamaged and in good shape to the buyer while also conserving resources. Shipping: The next step is to ship the order after you've picked and packed everything correctly. At the shipping station, warehouse staff is normally responsible for four tasks: Attaching the necessary shipping label and invoice to the packed itemsAssigning it to the best logistics partnerMarking an order as shipped in every selling channelEmailing the buyer with delivery confirmation and order tracking information like tracking ID and ETA. All the above points are possible if a company has the products in stock. So, what happens when a consumer places an order for a product that a seller doesn't have in stock? In such instances, businesses have two options: turn away the consumer or postpone the order delivery to a later date by using back-ordering or drop shipping methods. Handling After-Sales Processes Handling after-sales processes are the final stage of order management. Here, companies follow up with clients to get feedback and ensure that they are happy with their purchases, as well as returns management and refunds. 6 Key Features of Order Management Supply Chain Visibility It looks at the entire supply chain and isolates incidents to predict future difficulties and design more efficient steps. Simplified Picking and Packing It knows where the item exists in the warehouse after it identifies which fulfillment center is closest to the buyer. It then initiates picking the exact products, breaking down bulk orders into individual or batches so further that they can be fulfilled accordingly. Inventory Management in Real-Time It provides a singular view of inventory, including what's in stock, in transit, and current demand levels, so you don't have to rush shipments or keep excessive safety stock on hand which holds your cash flow. Scheduled Delivery Order management allows for more efficient service requests by matching delivery commitments to inventory, resources, and expertise. Post Order Customer Engagement Order processing assigns the placement of orders, sends them to be shipped, and informs the buyer. It also provides updates through the tracking ID. Additionally, it can predict the customer’s behavior and expectations so a seller can execute transactions more effectively. Optimized Fulfillment It analyzes data and provides recommendations based on how and where clients want their orders transported, their delivery time, and cost. Top 5 Order Management Software in 2024 There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all offering when it comes to order management software. Each solution has its own set of benefits and limitations, as well as onboarding and integration processes. The optimum fit for your company will be determined by your specific demands and objectives. Here are a few of the most popular options to compare: WareIQ Source WareIQs custom WMS software aids in efficient order management by syncing inventory levels and consolidating order data across multiple platforms. It can also predict future demand levels and supply requirements to provide the optimum inventory levels for faster and more efficient execution. NetSuite Source NetSuite's SuiteCommerce package includes an order management system that can handle orders from a range of channels, including a brick-and-mortar store, an online store, and even a kiosk. SuiteCommerce aspires to be a comprehensive eCommerce platform that eliminates the need for third-party integration. It's ambitious and powerful but it's probably too much for a small eCommerce shop and the learning curve is severe. SAP Source SAP has flexible order management software. Here a seller can manage a high volume of goods and run complex operations with fully digitized and accelerated warehouse processes. It is known for its on-premise and cloud deployments, comprehensive WMS solutions, fully integrated quality checks, production and track-to-trace processes, and real-time control of warehouse automation equipment. ShipStation Source ShipStation is a shipping program designed for eCommerce sellers. It integrates with most marketplaces, shopping carts, and carriers, making it the go-to for small eCommerce firms looking to offload their fulfillment. When DIY fulfillment is no longer viable, merchants must upgrade to a more scalable solution, such as outsourcing order management and fulfillment to a third-party logistics provider. Brightpearl Source Brightpearl is a retail management system designed for businesses with yearly sales of more than $1 million. They combine everything under one roof, from inventory and order administration to shipping, a POS system, and a CRM. It's powerful but also complicated. A simpler, more economical approach would probably be better for smaller businesses. Conclusion: Streamlining Order Management with WareIQ Now that you are aware of the importance of order management and may consider applying it to your business for better returns and less fatigue, the only factor that may restrain you is the investment required. However, offloading your order processing requirements to a 3PL could work out much cheaper than anticipated. It is possible to hire a third-party fulfillment company, such as WareIQ to manage your order fulfillment from beginning to end of each order placed. WareIQ is a Y-combinator-backed start-up providing a full-stack eCommerce fulfillment service that gives users an Amazon Prime-like experience. Once a seller gets partnered with us, they can access several order management facilities at a very nominal cost with no minimum order quantity. You can take advantage of our expertise and accelerate the growth of your business. What value does WareIQ’s technology platform add to the Order Management aspect? WareIQ's order window helps you take a quick snapshot of any orders that require actionOur platform is integrated with 20+ leading marketplaces, which facilitates the syncing of all your sales channels and eliminates the manual import of dataIt triggers all necessary shipping notifications to your end-customerIt provides you with a timelines view of your order, and revenue data, allowing you to study the fluctuations and trends and make better business decisionsIt also provides you with easy-to-comprehend graphical data about your zone-wise distribution, delivery timelines, and channel distribution, thus helping you gauge the current state of business deeply and take necessary steps to move towards your ideal state if required [signup] Order Management FAQs ( Frequently Asked Questions ) What is the importance of order management?Order management is in charge of everything from receiving the order to delivery and customer service afterward. A business might easily become overwhelmed by orders or struggle to fill them appropriately if it lacks order management. What is eCommerce Order Management?The process of properly managing and fulfilling sales orders is known as order management. To develop a pleasant customer experience, it comprises the cycle of people, procedures and suppliers. The order management process begins when a customer places an order and continues until the order is fulfilled. What does order management do?When a consumer places an order, the order management process begins and finishes with them receiving their package. How does WareIQ's Inventory & Order Management Software work?Inventory and order management software are included in WareIQ's platform, which helps streamline fulfillment. You receive the tools, data, and reporting you need to manage inventory in real time with WareIQ's inventory and order management software. Does Reverse logistics come under Order Processing?Yes, reverse logistics comes under order management. Order management starts from taking orders to post fulfillment if a buyer has a query or wants to return an order.

May 28, 2022

What is EOQ – Economic Order Quantity? What is the Importance of EOQ for eCommerce Business in 2024?

These days, order fulfillment for eCommerce sellers has become a relatively easy task due to the emergence of multiple high-quality logistics partners with huge supply-chain networks. From picking and packing to shipping services, they are also responsible for collecting payments post-delivery and managing inventory. But in the end, the seller is in the driver's seat so they need to determine the type of products they want to sell and price them competitively. To decide this, they need to do market research and study the demand and supply of similar products. This is where economic order quantity can help them streamline their decision making process. Things like minimum order quantity (MOQ) and economic order quantity (EOQ) assist sellers to get an accurate estimation of batches as per their requirements while also ensuring that there is enough free space for storage as opposed to an uninformed seller who may keep placing orders to their supplier only after their inventory gets depleted. What is Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)? Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) is the appropriate order quantity for a company to purchase goods in order to reduce inventory costs such as holding charges, shortage costs, order costs, etc. Inventory management, which oversees the ordering, holding, and usage of a company's inventory, requires the use of economic order quantity. EOQ is responsible for determining how many units a company should add to its inventory with each batch of orders, to lower the total inventory expenditure. The EOQ model aims to ensure that the appropriate amount of inventory is ordered per batch so that neither does a company have to place orders too frequently nor have an excess amount of inventory in hand. Sellers need to understand the difference between inventory setup costs and industry holding costs. When a seller can minimize both, only then can the inventory cost be minimized. How is Economic Order Quantity Calculated? To calculate the EOQ for your business, you must know the components listed below: D: Demand Rate (Quantity Sold Per Year) Q: Volume per Order S: Ordering Cost (Fixed Cost) C: Unit Cost (Variable Cost) H: Holding Cost (Variable Cost) I: Carrying Cost (Interest Rate) Source Order Cost It is a variable cost. It refers to the sum of all costs associated to fulfilling the order of products from sellers to buyers. This cost includes packaging (branded packaging), shipping (branded shipping), managing, etc. Before we arrive at the ordering cost, we will have to find the number of orders per annum. The number of orders annually can be found by dividing the ‘annual demand’ by ‘the volume per order’. The formula can be expressed as: Numbers of Orders = Annual Demand / Volume per Order (D/Q) Now that we know the number of orders, we need to find the annual ordering cost for each order with a fixed ordering cost (independent of the number of units- S) by multiplying the number of orders by the fixed cost. It is expressed as: Annual Cost Order = Numbers of Orders * S = Annual Demand / Volume per Order (D/Q) * S Demand Rate Demand rate is the cumulative number of units of products that a retailer sells in a year. Might from retail fulfillment, drop-shipping etc. Holding Cost In any business, you need to have inventory to fulfill demand. Offline businesses can store their products in a shop whereas online businesses do not have access to a physical shop. For them, holding inventory is more expensive than maintaining the website or listing their products on multichannel eCommerce selling platforms. This cost can be a direct cost that is incurred by spending on the storage of inventory or the cost of holding inventory. Holding cost includes eCommerce warehousing costs, logistics costs, securing costs, insurance costs, etc. The per-unit holding cost is often expressed as the cost per unit multiplied by the interest rate, expressed as follows: H = IC The Economic Order Quantity formula is EOQ = square root of (2*S*D)/H How Does Economic Order Quantity Work? Ordering a huge amount of inventory for the purpose of hoarding ultimately increases the cost which reflects in the per-unit cost of products. Conversely, ordering small amounts of inventory increases the frequency of orders which also increases the setup cost. So this is where economic order quantity helps. To make the process easier, you can try out the Economic Order Quantity Calculator. It finds out the actual quantity required which mitigates all the risks. Example/Case Study: Let's speculate that a company uses EOQ to assess demand, order costs, and holding expenses per unit per year over the previous year and anticipates comparable demand next year. If the information is as follows: Annual Usage is 20,000 units Ordering Costs are ₹400 rupees per order Carrying Costs is ₹4 per unit per annum Solution: square root of (2AO/C) square root (2*20000*400)/4=2,000. The EOQ is 2000 units. In case a seller is short of inventory, they need to order 2,000 units. If a seller wants to order 10,000 units which is 5 times 2,000 units then you need to multiply 2000 by 5. Note: economic order quantity can change if any of the variables change. What is the Importance of EOQ? As the name suggests, economic order quantity is the economic means of ordering inventory, keeping in mind the size of the business(small scale/large scale) and increasing future demand and supply requirements. A few of the benefits of EOQ are: Gives sellers a figure to order and maintain their inventory Mitigate the risk to sellers of facing a stock shortage. Makes the supply-chain activities hassle-free. Helps eCommerce sellers as well as merchants in dropshipping. 5 Benefits of Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) Bulk Order Discounts: Sellers can take advantage of the best bulk-order or economies-of-scale discounts offered by vendors if they plan and time their orders correctly. Improved Order Fulfillment: When a certain item is required for a customer order, optimal EOQ ensures that the product is available, allowing you to complete the order on schedule and keep the customer satisfied. It enhances the consumer experience of your customers and possibly increases sales. Lower Storage Costs: You should have fewer things to store when your supply effectively meets your demand. This can save you money on real estate, utilities, security, insurance, and other expenses. Prevents Over-Ordering: Over ordering and locking up too much cash in inventory can be avoided with a precise estimate of what you need and when you need it. It creates a smoother cash flow in the business. Reduces Wastage: More streamlined order schedules should reduce irrelevant inventory, especially for organizations with perishable commodities that can result in dead stock. Challenges of Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) Business Growth: For organizations with consistent inventory demands, the EOQ formula is perfect. Using economic order quanitity in a fast-growing business might lead to inventory shortages. Also it is mainly needed in scenarios of constant demand and inventory storage. Outdated Systems: Old and obsolete systems may contain incomplete data, resulting in missed savings opportunities. This issue can be solved with an inventory management software solution or a cloud-based ERP. Seasonal Needs: Seasonality makes EOQ more difficult, but not impossible. This is because client demand may fluctuate significantly throughout the year. Flawed Data: Access to correct and trustworthy data is one of the most difficult aspects of estimating economic order quanitity. Manual or spreadsheet-based solutions may generate erroneous calculations due to poor quality or obsolete data. Inventory Shortages: If you’re a new user of this method, you may often generate smaller orders. Also, if you are conservative with your calculations and expenditure on inventory then you will end up under-ordering. How to Use EOQ to Improve Inventory Management in 2024? In 2024, If you are operating a large eCommerce business then before you get to important tasks like creating a website, registering on third-party selling platforms and partnering with a 3PL logistics company, you have to take care of inventory management and here, theories like minimum order quantity and economic order quantity are useful. While calculating the economic order quantity, you can figure out what order size is the best for your business. It eliminates guesswork and reduces the risk of over-ordering or running out of stock. You can use the stats and data to make a long-term inventory selection for your company. If you run a large organization, especially one that requires expensive inventory, or one that has high inventory holding costs, EOQ could have a significant impact on your operations, cash flow, and earnings for years to come. Conclusion When you are in a business, you need to take care of the demands of your customers. You can regularly check what they want and try to fulfill their requirements in the best possible way. Economic Order Quantity helps a seller in many aspects such as reminding them to reorder stock and running their supply chain smoothly. If the seller runs out of stock, they would not be able to deliver the product to their buyer on time. Inventory Management is an issue for most big as well as small eCommerce businesses. They face problems choosing between the Newsvendor Model, the Continuous Review (ROP), the Periodic Review (FOI), the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and lack of appropriate forecasting leads to several inventory management issues at the beginning of the supply chain inventory which travels down eventually causing the Bullwhip Effect. These days, many sellers are claiming to provide same-day or next-day delivery with the help of fulfillment partners like WareIQ, a full-stack platform for eCommerce companies. Their USP is using state-of-the-art technology to provide Amazon Prime-like delivery and fulfillment services for every eCommerce company. With the emergence of eCommerce as a full-time business, WareIQ provides its partners with several advantages. Other than calculating economic order quantity, WareIQ can assist in the following ways: Choosing multiple warehouses in which you can divide your inventory according to location or market-specific orders. Minimizes your inventory holding cost by charging only for the area occupied by the seller's product. Provides accurate data of inventory in real-time which helps sellers to get insights into their sales figures and forecasts demand and supply. Keeps EOQ logistics costs low with smart warehouse locations near cargo and shipment centers. Does all the economic order quantity calculations for a seller so that they need not get hassled and can focus on their core business operations. Sign Up Now with WareIQ to take advantage of our superior fulfillment tech platform & accelerate the growth of your online business. Economic Order Quantity FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) How does EOQ help in inventory management?Economic order quantity (EOQ) is a statistic that defines a company's ideal order size, allowing them to meet demand without going over budget. EOQ is calculated by inventory managers to reduce holding costs and surplus inventory. What are the assumptions of EOQ?The Economic order Quantity implies inventory depletion and steady demand at a constant rate until it reaches zero. A particular number of conclusions arrive at that point, restoring the inventory to its original state. There are no such inventory shortages or associated costs because the model assumes instant replenishment. Who uses Economic Order Quantity?Economists in businesses use the EOQ model to plan operations since it is a quantitative approach that provides significant cost savings. Furthermore, because the model is based on a consistent or regular pattern, total expenses can be accurately projected. Why is EOQ necessary for eCommerce?Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) is a formula for calculating inventory stocking levels. Its main goal is to assist a corporation in maintaining a steady inventory level while also lowering expenditures. Variable annual usage amount, order cost, and warehouse carrying cost are used in EOQ. When can EOQ be implemented?It can be implemented only when demand for a product is stable throughout the year and each new order is delivered in full when inventory reaches zero. Regardless of the amount of units requested, each order has a fixed cost.

May 18, 2022

14 Best Ways to Reduce RTO Charges in eCommerce in 2024

Businesses these days are involved in cut-throat competition, mainly on online selling platforms. They try to offer all the services they can to create a better online purchasing experience for their customers. One of them is the return option for buyers. One of the painful realities that online retailers must accept is that there will be customers that seek to return their orders. In order to reduce RTO frequencies, sellers employ a variety of tactics. If a retailer wants to be profitable in the eCommerce space, they need to reduce RTO costs. If not, their profit margins will fall or it may also start creating difficult scenarios. It is widely known that it’s impossible to reduce RTO requests to zero but taking care of a few things can optimize and reduce RTO charges to a certain extent. To achieve significant RTO reduction, you need to first understand it in detail. What is RTO or Return to Origin? The term return-to-origin or RTO is often used in the eCommerce industry. The initiation of the return of a product and its return to the seller's warehouse is referred to as RTO. A package may be returned to the vendor for various reasons. An eCommerce business will incur more costs as a result of this. Setting strategies to reduce RTO costs is vital for the business to maintain its profit margins and not incur extra costs. [contactus_lilgoodness] What is RTO Related Costs? When an online seller or selling channel provides the facility of free shipping, they add the shipping charges to the final selling price of the product. In certain cases where the sale is done but the product is in the process of being returned, all costs associated with the returns process are known as RTO-related costs. For a seller, RTO reduction equals higher profitability. Let us understand the different RTO related costs and how to achieve RTO reduction. Charges for the Shipment to be Delivered and Returned Product delivery is chargeable for sellers, which they account for in the final selling price. If an RTO is initiated, it costs the seller twice the amount which they will not make back during the sale. Therefore, sellers need to find ways to reduce RTO costs. Costs for Repackaging Products are packed after picking them from the shelves of a warehouse, godown, or fulfillment center. Products are customized with multi-layer packaging and the invoices are posted on the outer packet which includes the receiver's address, barcodes, order number, etc. In the event of an RTO, this packaging needs to be removed and put back in the inventory. Later when the same item is ordered again by another customer the seller needs to pack it again. Thus, sellers need to find ways to reduce RTO packaging costs. Cost Incurred due to Product Damage Through online selling, order fulfillment is done by achieved by traveling large distances. These products are picked up and kept with hundreds of other products, which could cause damage if they are not placed in a proper manner. This could result in an initiation of RTO because of product damage before it has even reached the buyer. Companies need to analyse how to reduce RTO caused by product damage. Costs During Handling of Recalled Inventory Storing and managing inventory carrying costs a huge amount of money to a seller. Holding a product for a while can proportionately increase the cost, to the amount of time and addition of new products being added. Sellers seek to reduce RTO storage costs by investing in better inventory management facilities. Costs Incurred due to Expiration The passing time makes a lot of products redundant. Christmas trees are mostly sold during the Christmas season. It applies for most festive seasons so if the product is delayed in transit, it may lose its importance and value due to which a seller will have to store it for a long period which may result in it becoming old-fashioned and irrelevant. Practices That Can Help Sellers for RTO Reduction You can have the best products and most efficient eCommerce fulfillment strategy but you will still get RTO requests. RTO reduction can be achieved but it can never be entirely mitigated. To reduce RTO charges, sellers can keep a few things in mind: Store Inventory Near High Traffic Order Placement Locations: It will not only help a seller in saving shipment charges but also reduce RTO costs as distances to fulfill orders will decrease. Covering less distance is also effective in terms of limiting product damage. Choose Logistics Partners with Competitive Freight Rates: Freight rates in the supply chain matter a lot. Dynamic increases in fuel prices, and not using optimized vehicles can double the freight rate. If your logistics partner offers cost-effective rates, it can reduce RTO charges. Opt for RTO Insurance: This is a recent concept where eCommerce logistics companies and fulfillment companies give sellers an option of RTO insurance. If an RTO occurs, these fulfillment companies will bear the cost instead of the retailer, resulting in an RTO reduction. Choose a Third-party Fulfillment Partner: Third Party fulfillment companies give all-in-one solutions to a seller. It stores your inventory at the best location with high order traffic at the cheapest freight rates, provides individual buyer RTO rates, gives the option of RTO insurance, and provides facilities like RTO shields. All these factors can reduce RTO costs. How to Reduce RTO Charges & Frequency in eCommerce? 14 Proven Ways in 2024 To make your business more profitable, you can apply some tricks to reduce RTO charges. These tested tricks will help you reduce RTO in the year 2024: Optimize Product Descriptions In online selling, people always complain about the difference between a product’s appearance on the website versus reality. When a customer buys a product, they read the product descriptions to get an exact idea of the product. So try to write a good description of the products with accurate facts and figures about their features and dimensions. Provide Order Tracking Many times, ordered products are not received by a buyer because the buyer is not present at the location. If the seller provides order tracking and order scheduling facilities, the buyer can plan and receive it accordingly. Offer Multiple Modes of Payment These days, people are more reliant on UPI or card payments. So if the placed order is COD and the receiving person does not have cash (higher chance in the case of expensive products), the delivery partner should have multiple options of payment available. Convert Returns/Refunds into Exchanges If the seller turns the returns into exchanges, a buyer who often requests for RTOs will have to receive the parcel or they will not get the paid amount. In the case of COD, they can be noted and deprived of the COD option in the future. Check Customer Availability Before Attempting Delivery Most of the time, last mile delivery partners deliver products during the day which may be working hours for the buyer and they may not be present at the given location. So for the delivery, the delivery partner can first check the availability of the customer and schedule a time or change location after verifying the details. This will reduce RTO frequencies significantly. Alert for Consumers with High Initiation of RTOs These days with the help of technology and software, sellers have options to get the numbers of RTO frequency of individual buyers. If a person has a high rate of RTO requests, a seller could ban or restrict them from placing certain orders. Locations are also blacklisted by a few selling platforms as per bad fulfillment experiences. Offer Faster Shipping (Same/Next-Day Shipping) When a buyer orders a product, they expect to get it as soon as possible. They may find some other way to obtain it sooner or buy it from an offline market and when the order finally arrives, an RTO request gets sent. So, a seller should ensure to deliver products on the same day or the next day after the order has been confirmed to reduce RTO requests. Offer a Branded Post-Shipping Experience When a buyer reads the feedback about certain products and brands, they invariably find some feedback related to a bad delivery experience. Chances are that many customers may not have received their orders due to similar problems. The solution to reducing these kinds of RTO requests is to provide a branded shipping experience to your customers. Pick and pack it nicely, send confirmation messages, Message them the tracking ID/number, allow buyers to choose a favorable time to receive it and finally ask them to write a review. Reduce Cash on Delivery Losses Data shows COD orders are mostly converted to RTO requests and from a customer's point of view, they don’t want to pay before they get the product. In this scenario, a seller has multiple options to reduce RTO requests: Verification of Shipping Address A seller can verify the shipping address before dispatching the product to a logistics company. In case it is incorrect, which can turn into an RTO request, the seller or the logistics company can instruct the buyer to correct the eCommerce shipping address to achieve a successful delivery. The address can be verified with a address proof documents of the buyer. Profiling of Risky Orders Make a database of risky fulfillment and mark them according to different parameters. Then choose whether you want to give them an option for COD or ask them to pay before the order delivery. Providing Dashboard Analytics Discover indications that contribute to your RTO losses by getting RTO information at a state/city/pincode level. To better understand delinquent behavior and implement the learnings into your business plan, get full-order review reports. This will reduce RTO requests that are fraudulent. Customization of Business Model Learn algorithms, evolve, and localize the learnings over time to continually increase accuracy based on your company's demands. To make it even more flexible, you can create your own flagging rules. Furthermore, blacklist specific persons based on email addresses, phone numbers, and other factors to reduce RTO costs. Automation of Important Processes As your eCommerce firm expands, automation becomes increasingly important. Set up automated workflows to automatically accept or reject red-flagged orders based on risk factors, saving time and money in the process. To maximize your business and decrease operating expenses and reduce RTO charges, automate order confirmations, payment collections, and other operations. Conversion of Risky COD Orders to Prepaid Orders: If there are higher chances of RTO requests with an individual customer, only give them the option to pay before order placement. Prepaid orders result in RTO reduction and if an RTO request still occurs, allow an exchange instead of a refund. Optimizing Website Experiences in 5 Ways to Reduce RTO in eCommerce You may have observed that brand appearance matters a lot in its positioning. In online selling, the appearance of a brand depends upon its website. Websites increase brand value and with good brand value, RTO reduction of a product can be achieved: These are some ways to make your website more effective: Implement a Return Policy For eCommerce businesses, return policies should be a set of rules created by a retailer or a selling platform to manage returns and exchange unwanted merchandise that a customer has purchased. It should tell the buyers what items can be returned and for what reasons, according to a timeframe over which returns could be initiated. Enhance Product Illumination When a product fails to meet the standards set out on the business’ website, it is a key contributor to product returns. It's disheartening to receive a shipment after waiting weeks for it, just to open it and discover it's not what you expected or required. Ways to reduce RTO requests in this regard are: Create an attention-grabbing headline summary.Summarize the product definition with a bulleted list of key characteristics and features.Use a paragraph to expand on what makes the product unique. Instead of focusing on describing benefits, focus on giving a solution.To persuade the consumer to buy, end with trust, social truths, urgency, and a call to action. Value Consumer Reviews If you have a high number of RTOs then there must be some reason why the majority of customers are not accepting the delivery. You can try to get feedback from the buyer who didn’t accept the delivery or read reviews of buyers who have written about their post-order experience. Read all and then try to provide a solution. Introduce Product Videos If customers are returning items because they don't meet the product description's expectations, you might want to consider adding a video function to your product detail page. Brand films are now a highly effective technique for increasing conversion rates, and reducing RTO requests and more individuals determine that after watching a product commercial, they can better imagine themselves using the product. Provide a Post-Purchase Confirmation Message Sending a post-purchase message(mail) to your customers can be a very effective way to reduce returns. Reduce objections that lead to refunds and keep customers enthused about what they just ordered by informing consumers about the product between order and shipment. Strategies to Decrease RTOs in eCommerce with WareIQ According to a recent study by KPMG, return shipments can make up to 20% of total shipments in e-commerce. This rate climbs to 40% in the case of Cash on delivery (COD) orders. Return to Origin (RTO) is a nightmare for sellers as it significantly increases the logistic costs. RTOs rates are expected to increase even further in India with demand surges in tier 2 and 3 cities. Given the situation, reverse logistics has become an integral part of a business plan. Given the convenience of online shopping and the lack of risk, buyers can frequently return items without second thoughts. RTO logistics become extremely important to decrease this trend as well as the costs involved. The sheer amount of revenue lost by companies through return items is about 20% of the sale, and that’s exactly where WareIQ pitches in to help you save the costs. We optimize your return order logistics and improve overall efficiency with the help of insights derived from customer data, customer retention metrics and return policies. How Does WareIQ Help eCommerce Businesses in Reducing RTOs in 5 Ways? Quick TAT (Turn around time): Logistic partners provide an estimated delivery timeline based on which the customers anticipate the delivery. If it fails to reach them as per this expectation, there is a risk of an RTO and the customer opting to order from a competitor. This also affects the customer retention rate. With WareIQ’s Prime-like shipping, data-driven insights, PAN-India network of warehouses, and excellent supply chain management system, orders reach the customers on time as promised. This ensures a higher rate of First attempt delivery, thus reducing the breach of TAT.Higher and Efficient First Attempt Strike Rate (FASR): Delivery success in the first attempt ensures happy customers and helps in their retention. This is an important metric since lower returns imply lower logistics costs on RTO. With WareIQ’s structured incentive plans, delivery partners are encouraged to deliver maximum shipments in the first attempt thereby increasing the FASR.Improved Non-delivery Report (NDR) conversion: Knowing the customer’s intent before performing the last mile delivery can save a lot of time and costs related to RTOs. This can be achieved by validating the attempted shipments by directly communicating with customers via phone calls, SMS, e-mail, WhatsApp, etc. Any change of preference or cancellation or order can be recorded and shared with the shipping partner in real-time to decide whether to “Reattempt the delivery” or “Make RTO”. Performing this manually at scale is almost impossible. With WareIQ’s innovative solutions, most of it can be automated via IVR (Interactive voice response) calling, auto-SMS, auto-mailer, WhatsApp alerts, etc. This also keeps the customer well informed and creates an impact on improving the delivery conversion percentage. In the auto NDR process, the customer will get an IVR call immediately after a failed delivery or when the NDR remark is updated by the delivery personnel. Automation makes the entire process quick and efficient.Wrong or Incomplete Address: Amidst the huge traffic across the supply chain and sometimes because of consumer ignorance, deliveries often end up attached with wrong or incomplete addresses. This is also one of the major reasons for RTO. Address validation becomes important in this context. WareIQ ensures this authenticity with various checks on the same. This increases the chances of successful delivery. In case of an incorrect address, shipping is cancelled prior to dispatch. It allows not only for lower RTO but also avoids wasteful shipping costs.Automated Partner Pin Code Allocations: With WareIQ’s cutting-edge technology, pin code allocation is automated. This altogether eliminates the hassles of manual allocations thus reducing logistics costs & shipping costs & RTO as well as increasing fulfillment serviceability and speed of delivery. Making changes in allocations is complex and takes a good amount of time. The system analyzes historic RTO percentages and cost per shipment (forward + RTO) to optimize the allocation and ensure that the courier with the lowest possible cost is chosen for the given pin codes. Such efficiency and cost reductions are not possible with manual processes. This also saves a lot of time in processing and shipping the orders. RTO Shield WareIQ's RTO Shield provides eCommerce/D2C firms with a comprehensive checkout strategy to reduce RTO losses and increase revenue. Why WareIQ’s RTO Shield? Request a refund for any RTO order that was predicted to be safe by the company.Smart COD checkout option based on technology to detect problematic customers and save on shipping costsDisable COD for untrustworthy and blacklisted customers automatically.Identification and deletion of duplicate ordersVerification of shipping addresses and intelligent shipping selections based on address completeness Benefits of RTO Shield Increase conversions and decrease cart abandonment.The quickest checkout time is under 10 seconds.Identify high RTO risk consumers using data sets from telecom, banks, hyperlocal, and OTT providers.Identify scammers using previous data on their past purchasing behavior and win over them. How Does it Work? Integrate the website/application with WareIQ3 months of historical data will be needed to train the model to predict accurately.Go live in 3 to 5 days [signup] Reduce RTO FAQs What is an RTO or Return to Origin?When an order is not delivered due to some issue or is delivered and is sent back to the seller for a particular reason, the process of return is called RTO. It impacts the seller because it is an extra expense that has to be incurred by the seller. How does RTO impact an eCommerce seller?It negatively affects an eCommerce business due to loss of money, time, energy and increases the chances of product damage. If an order offers free delivery and an RTO is initiated, the entire delivery and return logistics costs are borne by the seller. How can a seller reduce RTO costs?There are several ways to reduce RTO costs such as optimizing logistic costs, partnering with fulfillment centers, verifying addresses, promoting COD orders, marking higher individuals with high rates of RTOs, using an RTO shield, etc. How does WareIQ help eCommerce brands reduce RTO via RTO Shield?WareIQ's RTO Shield or Return to Origin Shield gives eCommerce and D2C businesses a complete checkout strategy and helps reduce RTO losses and increase revenue.

May 16, 2022

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